Upon the initiative of UNESCO the “European Coalition of Cities Against Racism” was established in Nuremberg on 10 December 2004. It was dedicated to establish a network of cities interested in sharing experiences in order to improve their policies to fight racism, discrimination and xenophobia.

The international conventions, recommendations and declarations elaborated at the upstream level need to be ratified and implemented by the national states. At the same time, it is extremely important to involve actors on the ground, including the targets of discriminations, to make sure that those international and national instruments are applied and respond to concrete problems. In times of growing globalisation and urbanisation the municipalities are a key factor in ensuring that all their citizens, regardless of their nationality, ethnic, cultural, religious or social origin a life in dignity, security and justice.

The basis for the activities of the network is provided by the „Ten-Point-Plan of Action“,
which is to serve member cities for their future activities.

In the meantime, 104 municipalities from 22 European countries have joined the network and adopted the "Ten-Point-Plan of Action".

On 21 February 2008 the association “European Coalition of  Cities Against Racism” was officially registered by the Registration Court in Nuremberg, Germany.

The European Coalition is part of the International Coalition of Cities Against Racism.