Jena, April 23, 2026. The city of Jena hosted the annual meeting of the German-speaking member cities of the European Coalition of Cities against Racism (ECCAR) earlier this week. Around 35 representatives from Germany and Austria exchanged views on anti-discrimination work in the Historisches Rathaus.
- Event: Annual meeting of German-speaking ECCAR member cities
- When: Beginning of the week (CW 17)
- Where: Historisches Rathaus, Jena
- Who: 35 representatives from 21 municipalities in Germany and Austria
- Key topics: Neutrality requirement, processing right-wing violence, democratic action
Focus on Municipal Engagement
Lord Mayor Thomas Nitzsche and Department Head Kathleen Lützkendorf (Social Affairs, Health, Migration, and Climate) opened the gathering. Both underlined the crucial importance of engagement at the municipal level. Lützkendorf emphasized that active anti-discrimination work is an inseparable part of a city administration’s core responsibility.
The lecture program included various thematic focuses. Discussions included the neutrality requirement within public administrations as well as the practical implementation of democratic action in everyday work and life. The processing of right-wing violence and specific aspects of Jena’s city history were also part of the conference. Lord Mayor Nitzsche valued the meeting as an important signal for strengthening the municipal network and consolidating democratic values locally.
Background: The Rathaus & the ECCAR Network
The meeting took place in the Historisches Rathaus on the Jenaer Marktplatz. It is one of the oldest preserved town hall buildings in Germany and is known beyond the region for its art clock with the legendary „Schnapphans“.
The European Coalition of Cities against Racism (ECCAR) is an initiative launched by UNESCO in 2004. It provides municipalities with a strong network to exchange experiences and develop common strategies to combat racism, discrimination, and xenophobia at the local level. Jena regularly uses this platform to underpin the city’s commitment to diversity and tolerance.
Source:
Jena hosts meeting against racism
Transparency Note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.