In a written answer on 2 July 2026, Commissioner Magnus Brunner, on behalf of the European Commission, rejected claims that EU anti-racism initiatives could stifle free speech or promote Islam, stating that the Commission does not finance any project aiming at promoting Islam or any other religion. The response came after a question from nine ECR MEPs led by Stefano Cavedagna, who warned that broad definitions of hate speech might drive an ideological interpretation favouring Islam and migration policies.
Brunner detailed that the Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030 relies on the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme (CERV), adopted in 2021, which funds anti-discrimination initiatives. He stressed that EU funding is awarded based on clear criteria and rigorous selection. Over the past five years, only seven projects specifically address anti-Muslim hatred, with just one (RADAR, started October 2025) still ongoing. All financial data is publicly available via the Financial Transparency System and the Funding and Tenders Portal.
On subsidiarity, Brunner affirmed that the Commission respects Member State competences in civil liberties, security, and integration, noting that the anti-racism strategy is a non-binding communication, and integration policies under the 2021-2027 action plan and migration strategy support Member States' actions per Article 79(4) TFEU.
The answer provides concrete figures and project references, countering concerns with transparency and legal boundaries. It signals that the Commission will maintain its current approach, with no policy shift expected. The response impacts civil society organisations seeking funding, Member States wary of EU overreach, and MEPs pushing for tighter hate speech definitions.