Maintaining Vibrant and Tolerant Societies within the EU

The Open Society Institute–Brussels believes that fundamental commitments to liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and freedoms, and rule of law are the foundation of the European Union's identity. Because the EU exerts normative power at the regional and global level, it is crucial that it maintain and further develop vibrant and tolerant democracies within its borders.

OSI-Brussels monitors EU policies in fields of justice and home affairs, as well as those dealing with nondiscrimination and social inclusion. We support OSI programs dealing with minorities and marginalized groups in carrying out advocacy at the EU level.

OSI-Brussels advocates the development of a coherent set of EU policies that target the Roma based on the principles of the Decade of Roma Inclusion (education, employment, health, and housing). We also advocate the effective use of EU funding and for the alignment of EU policy and funding with the national action plans of the Decade. OSI-Brussels works closely with the European Commission on Roma and with various European Commission departments in the areas of social inclusion, antidiscrimination, microfinance, entrepreneurship, and health. We foresee continuing work in this area, particularly in collaboration with the European Parliament, and will also focus on stemming the tide of anti-Roma sentiment in Europe.

We work with the Open Society Justice Initiative to strengthen legal standards, review law enforcement practices, and support research, best practices, and higher standards for the rights of defendants in criminal proceedings in the EU.

OSI-Brussels assists the At Home in Europe Project on social cohesion, participation and identity at local level in 11 EU cities with significant Muslim populations.

We also coordinate research and pilot projects, including in cooperation with the Think Tank Fund, tackling innovative approaches to keeping societies open in Europe.

Contact Information

Roma issues: Martin Demirovski 

Research and pilot projects on open societies in Europe: Ellen Riotte