The European Commission Combines Efforts to Tackle Antisemitism

Thursday, 11 April, 2019

Eurobarometer Survey on Antisemitism in Europe

Recently the European Fundamental Rights Agency, upon request of the European Commission, published the largest survey ever held among European Jews on their perception and experience of antisemitism. The Eurobarometer Survey on Antisemitism in Europe will serve as a basis for further fact-based policy making.

In the Q&A Fact Sheet that was published in the Eurobarometer, the question was asked what the European Commission has done so far to tackle antisemitism. EHRI was pleased to learn that the infrastructure was mentioned here as one course of action and that the importance of Holocaust research, education and remembrance was acknowledged:

Holocaust remembrance, research and education are key to understanding the history of the founding of the EU. Through Horizon 2020, the EU has set-up the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure (EHRI) in the Netherlands. Its goal is to strengthen the network of European research on the Holocaust and contribute to a European perspective on the Holocaust. (Q&A Fact Sheet Eurobarometer survey on Antisemitism in Europe)

Declaration on the fight against antisemitism

On 6 December 2018, the European Council unanimously adopted a declaration on the fight against antisemitism and the development of a common security approach to better protect Jewish communities and institutions.

In the declaration, the Council acknowledges that Jewish communities in some EU countries feel particularly vulnerable to terrorist attacks, following an increase in violent incidents in recent years. It notes that antisemitic hatred remains widespread, as confirmed by the 2018 Fundamental Rights Agency report on antisemitism.

In 2015, the Commission appointed a Coordinator on combating Antisemitism to liaise with Jewish communities and to strengthen the collaboration with international organisations, Member States' authorities and NGOs. In November last year the EU became a Permanent International Member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

EHRI maintains good relations with both the IHRA and the Coordinating office on combating Antisemitism. On 3 July 2019, EHRI will welcome the European Coordinator on combating antisemitism, Katharina von Schnurbein, as one of its speakers in the international conference Holocaust Studies and its Social Setting.

Q&A Fact Sheet Eurobarometer survey on Antisemitism in Europe

Joint statement by First Vice-President Timmermans and Commissioner Jourová welcoming the Council Declaration on the fight against Antisemitism

Survey on Antisemitism in Europe

Leaflet Preventing and combating Antisemitism