In alignment with the Participa City project’s initiatives to prevent racism and discrimination against ethnic and cultural minorities across Europe, the City of Lille has introduced an innovative Territorial Action Plan targeting Racism, Antisemitism, and Discrimination Based on Origin for the years 2025–2026. This plan aims to strengthen preventive measures, encourage the participation of marginalized communities, and raise awareness among decision-makers to dismantle systemic discrimination—all core objectives shared with Participa City.

On June 4, the City of Lille formally launched its Territorial Action Plan against Racism, Antisemitism, and Discrimination Based on Origin (2025–2026) during an event at the Gymnase in central Lille. The gathering brought together more than 100 representatives from local civil society organizations, including the French representative of Grdr Migration-Citizenship-Development.

This mobilization comes in response to a series of distressing incidents, notably the racially motivated killing of a Malian immigrant inside a mosque—an event referenced in the opening speeches by Mayor Arnaud Deslandes and his Deputy Jérôme Pianezza. The Mayor urged a collective and forceful response to a climate of racism that, he stated, is tacitly sanctioned at the highest levels of government and threatens the foundations of society. His rallying call was clear: “Ça suffit! Enough is enough!”

The Action Plan is structured around four key strategic pillars:

  • Measuring discrimination through annual perception surveys and systematic data gathering in areas such as employment, housing, and service access.
  • Combating stereotypes and racist narratives via education initiatives and public awareness campaigns, with particular focus on young populations.
  • Supporting victims and facilitating access to justice, while addressing issues of underreporting and encouraging the pursuit of legal remedies.
  • Ensuring institutional responsibility, which includes mandatory anti-discrimination training for city staff and contractors.

Rooted in a participatory approach, the plan was co-created with input from associations, human rights advocates, and citizen advisory groups. During the launch event, stakeholders were invited to propose concrete actions aligned with the plan’s objectives. Organizations like Grdr and other NGOs welcomed this inclusive process and began exploring initiatives to tackle systemic obstacles encountered by immigrants and racialized communities in Lille.

As the city advances with the plan’s implementation, the collective responsibility is to translate commitments to equity and inclusion into real, measurable improvements in Lille’s neighborhoods. The coming months will reveal how this ambitious municipal effort transforms day-to-day life for residents.

Participa City proudly supports its French partners in promoting such visionary efforts that foster diversity-friendly, inclusive communities across Europe.