Report on the EU strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life shows Member States have taken action against antisemitism

On Monday, the Commission has published its first progress report on the 2021-2030 EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life. The progress report shows that in line with the EU strategy, most 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 7 October 2023, antisemitic incidents have skyrocketed across Europe. Therefore, the determination to fight antisemitism in the EU is more relevant than ever. That is why the Commission has, 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.”

This report comes in parallel to the new Council declaration on fostering Jewish life and combating antisemitism set to be adopted on 15 October, which demonstrates the Member States’ commitment to combat antisemitism across the EU.

Source: European Commission