First progress report of the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life

The Commission published today its first progress report of the 2021-2030 EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life. The report is published in a time of a dramatically worsened situation for Jews in the EU since the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the war that ensued in Gaza, which have led to unprecedented levels of antisemitism in Europe since the founding of the EU. The report finds that 23 Member States have developed national strategies against antisemitism, and 20 Member States have appointed a special envoy or national coordinator on combating antisemitism. By using the non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, most Member States are employing a human-rights based and victim-based approach to combat antisemitism. The strategy includes 90 actions of which the implementation is in full motion.

Contemporary antisemitism can be found in radical and fringe groups espousing right-wing, left-wing or Islamist extremism, it can hide behind anti-Zionism, but it can also be found in the centre of society. According to the third survey by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) on antisemitic experiences by Jewish people, conducted in the first half of 2023, almost all Jews (96%) in Europe encountered antisemitism either online or offline. Eight in ten Jews say antisemitism has increased in recent years, and 76% avoid carrying or displaying items in public that would make them recognisable as Jews. Eurobarometer 484 shows that already in 2019 on average more than 1 out of 2 Europeans (54%) stated that the conflict in the Middle East has an influence on their perception of Jewish people in their country“.

Since the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the conflicts in the Middle East, Europe witnessed a significant rise in hate incidents and violence targeting Jews. Acts include the firebombing of Jewish premises, such as synagogues, physical attacks on Jewish persons, homes, restaurants and shops. Across Europe, Holocaust monuments have been vandalised. Antisemitism is incompatible with our core values. It is a threat –  above all to the Jews – but also to democracy and security in Europe. Fighting antisemitism in the EU is more relevant than ever.

Read the full report here.