Origins

The EUMC, the predecessor of the FRA

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights - with effect from 1 March 2007 - was built upon the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC).

The EUMC was established in Vienna as an independent body of the European Union by the Council Regulation (EC) No 1035/97 of 2 June 1997 (OJ L 151, 10 June 1997) which was amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 1652/2003 of 18 June 2003.

The EUMC activities started in 1998 and ended on 28 February 2007.

EUMC's role and activities

On the basis of the data collected, the EUMC studied the extent and development of the phenomena and manifestations of racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and related intolerance. The EUMC analysed their causes, consequences and effects. It was also the task of the EUMC to work out strategies to combat racism and to highlight examples of good practice regarding the integration of migrants and ethnic and religious minority groups in the EU Member States.

The EUMC set up the European Information Network on Racism and Xenophobia (RAXEN) to collect data and information at national level. This was accomplished via National Focal Points, contracted by the EUMC to collect, coordinate and disseminate information in each of the EU Member States.

  • All EUMC reports and studies are available in Publications.

Background

The origins of the EUMC went back to June 1994 when the Corfu European Council proposed the establishment of a consultative Commission on Racism and Xenophobia, also known as the "Kahn Commission" after its chairman, Jean Kahn. In June 1995, the Cannes European Council called on the Kahn Commission, in cooperation with the Council of Europe, to consider the feasibility of a European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia. 

EUMC organisation

The EUMC was composed of:

Decisions of the EUMC Management Board regarding:

  • Rules of procedure of the Management Board of the EUMC:
    [ en - fr ]
    First Amendement [ en - fr ]

EUMC Agreements with International organisations:

  • Agreement between the European Community and the Council of Europe for the purpose of establishing, in accordance with Article 7(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1035/97 of 2 June 1997 establishing a European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia, close cooperation between the Centre and the Council of Europe. [1999/132/EC: Council Decision of 21 December 1998 relating to the conclusion of an Agreement between the European Community and the Council of Europe for the purpose of establishing, in accordance with Article 7(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1035/97 of 2 June 1997 establishing a European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia, close cooperation between the Centre and the Council of Europe]

 

EUMC became the FRA

Based on the EUMC's expertise, the Fundamental Rights Agency has been set up on 1 March 2007 to provide assistance and expertise to the relevant institutions and authorities of the Community and its Member States in order to support them to take measures or formulate courses of action to fully respect fundamental rights.

As foreseen in the Council regulation (EC) n° 168/2007 establishing a European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the fight against racism, xenophobia and related intolerance will be at the heart of the FRA's activities among the thematic areas laid down in the multi-annual Framework programme.