In a move that has sparked outrage among MEPs and anti-racism advocates, the European Commission’s recent reshuffle has left its only black anti-racism coordinator in a lower position than her white counterparts. The exclusion of Michaela Moua, who became the EU’s first anti-racism coordinator in 2021, has raised serious questions about systemic racial inequities within the EU executive.
Outcry Over Unequal Treatment
While the Commission’s coordinators on antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred have been moved to the influential secretariat-general department under President Ursula von der Leyen, Moua remains in a standard, lower-ranking position. This disparity has prompted accusations that the EU is not treating all forms of racism with the same level of priority and urgency.
“This exclusion, affecting the only racialized coordinator, raises concerns about systemic inequities.”
– Group of left-leaning MEPs
MEPs from the Socialists, Left, and Greens parties have demanded an explanation from the Commission, questioning how it will ensure equal attention to all forms of racism when the coordinators are placed at different hierarchical levels. The decision is seen as particularly egregious given that the roles were previously presented as equivalent in status.
Undermining Anti-Racism Efforts
The European Network Against Racism has strongly condemned the move, warning that it sends a “dangerous message” about the Commission’s priorities and threatens to undermine efforts to combat systemic racism. By relegating the anti-racism coordinator to a lower position, critics argue, the EU executive is creating an unacceptable hierarchy within anti-discrimination work.
“The decision to place coordinators combating antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred at the highest levels of the EU Commission, while relegating the anti-racism coordinator to a lower position, raises serious concerns.”
– Mélissa Camara, French Green MEP
Diversity Commitments Called Into Question
The controversy comes at a time when the European Commission has publicly pledged to improve staff diversity and tackle all forms of racism, including unconscious bias, as part of its anti-racism strategy. However, the unequal treatment of Moua has led many to question the sincerity of these commitments and the EU’s ability to lead by example on racial equity.
The reshuffle debacle is not the first instance of the Commission appearing to deprioritize equality issues. Earlier, von der Leyen scrapped the standalone post of EU commissioner for equality, merging it with the crisis management portfolio – a move that rights groups saw as a significant downgrade.
Polarization and Far-Right Influence
Some insiders suggest that the decision to exclude Moua reflects a broader rightward shift in the European Parliament since the June elections, which saw a record number of far-right MEPs gain seats. The increasingly polarized political landscape has made it more difficult to build consensus around anti-racism measures and promote inclusion.
“We are witnessing a more polarized and increasingly racist European Parliament.”
– Mélissa Camara, French Green MEP
As the backlash intensifies, pressure is mounting on the European Commission to address the concerns raised by MEPs and anti-racism advocates. Many are calling for a public explanation of the decision-making process behind the reshuffle and concrete steps to ensure that all forms of racism are treated with equal seriousness and urgency.
The Path Forward
If the EU is to make good on its promises to combat racism and foster inclusion, it must lead by example and ensure that its own institutions reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. This means not only promoting individuals from underrepresented groups to positions of influence but also creating an organizational culture that values and empowers all voices equally.
- Transparent and Accountable Decision-Making
- Meaningful Engagement with Impacted Communities
- Robust Diversity and Inclusion Policies
- Regular Audits and Progress Reporting
As Europe grapples with rising polarization and the emboldening of far-right forces, the need for strong, principled leadership on anti-racism has never been greater. By addressing the concerns raised by the reshuffle controversy head-on and recommitting itself to the fight against discrimination in all its forms, the European Commission has an opportunity to set a powerful example for the continent and beyond.
The path forward will not be easy, but it is essential. The credibility of the EU as a champion of equality and human rights depends on its ability to confront hard truths, learn from its missteps, and work tirelessly to build a more just and inclusive future for all Europeans, regardless of race, religion, or background.
