EC says most EU countries have taken action against antisemitism

The European Commission (EC) published on October 14 its first progress report on the 2021-2030 EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.

The EC said that the progress report shows that in line with the EU strategy, most EU member states have taken action against antisemitism since 2021, including 23 member states developed national strategies against antisemitism; 20 member states appointed a special envoy or national coordinator on combating antisemitism; 25 member states adopted or endorsed the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism.

“Yet, since the Hamas attacks on October 7 2023, antisemitic incidents have skyrocketed across Europe,” the EC said.

“Therefore, the determination to fight antisemitism in the EU is more relevant than ever.”

The EC said that was why the Commission had, for example, accelerated the implementation of the EU strategy, made funding available for security of Jewish premises, is developing a dedicated network of organisations specialised in combatting online antisemitism and is supporting the establishment of a “Network of places where the Holocaust happened”.

Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: “Following our first ever EU Strategy against antisemitism back in November 2021, Commission and Member States have introduced specific measures to address antisemitism, foster Jewish life and ensure Holocaust remembrance like never before.

“Yet the situation for Jews in Europe has dramatically worsened. We need to do our utmost to ensure that all Jewish Europeans can go about their lives, free from fear,” Schinas said.

The report comes in parallel to the new Council declaration on fostering Jewish life and combating antisemitism set to be adopted on October 15, which demonstrates the member states’ commitment to combat antisemitism across the EU, the EC said.

(Photo of Sofia Central Synagogue: Nikolai Karaneschev)

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