Migration, de-colonisation, slavery and multicultural European societies

4. CERV-2025-CITIZENS-REM-HISTMIGRATION - Migration, de-colonisation, slavery and multicultural European societies

Migration, de-colonisation, enslavement, and imperialism are embedded in the European history, and all have profound consequences for society today.

Migration has a long and varied history in Europe but is often treated solely as a present- day phenomenon. However, population movements in Europe, from economic, political migration to expulsion and deportation after the Second World War, from fleeing violence and persecution to migration after the creation of the EU, have marked 20^th century European history. The specific history of female migration can also be considered. Migration is multi-faceted and the experiences of migration into, out of or within Europe are lessons for future generations.

Forced migration, internal displacement and expulsion is an experience shared by many Europeans during the period of war. This includes the forced displacement and persecution of Roma populations during and after the Second World War, and its long-term consequences.

There is a wider acceptance of the need to address the past. The discussion on structural racism including antigypsyism entails an examination of the past, present and future of the cultural fabric of Europe.

Colonialism, slavery, and imperialism have left a mark on global history. Prejudices and stereotypes can be addressed by acknowledging the historical roots of racism, including from an intersectional perspective. De-colonisation, the dismantlement of colonial empires particularly in the 20th century and the emerging post-colonial European societies are shaped by this experience until today. While for many, colonialism is considered a chapter in history, the consequences of imperialistic rule inside and outside Europe are felt still today and are intertwined with structural racism and discrimination. However, these debates have been absent for far too long and need to be firmly embedded in a European narrative. Ensuring remembrance is an important part of encouraging inclusion and understanding.

Following the decolonisation process in international relations in the early 20th century, the UN World Conference on Combating Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Xenophobia established that structural inequalities are caused by the consequences of colonialism and slavery. Stemming from this observation, in its EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025, the Commission made efforts to communicate on addressing the historical roots of racism.

Projects under this topic could focus on:

• Exploring the legacy of colonialism and its ongoing impact on contemporary multicultural European societies, with a view to contributing to the objectives of the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025, including addressing topics such as discrimination and racism
• Raising awareness of Roma history and culture to contribute to strengthening multicultural European societies, in line with the EU Roma Strategic Framework for equality, inclusion and participation
• Examining common European experiences of migration linked to historical events such as wars, transition moments, colonisation and de-colonisation, economic impacts, or persecution
• Adopting an intersectional approach to cover several minority groups, including Jews, Roma, Overseas citizens, and other minority groups with a long history of migration, to promote a more nuanced understanding of multicultural European societies.

For further information about the call and its conditions, please see the Call document.