Today, the European Commission has published its first progress report on the 2021-2030 EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life. The progress report – published at a sensitive time given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East – shows that “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”. This is according to a statement issued in Brussels. “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 Margaritis Schinas said: the “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”. For more information on national strategies to combat antisemitism, click here.