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dossier COM(2024)476 - .
document COM(2024)476
datum 14 oktober 2024
annex.



1. Fighting antisemitism across policy areas and mobilising EU funds


Sweden: The Government’s task force for Jewish life in Sweden, established in January 2023, engages in dialogue on preventive measures and initiatives to make it easier to live a Jewish life and to prevent and combat antisemitism in Sweden. It is made up of state secretaries from six ministries and led by the Prime Minister’s State Secretary. The police and Swedish Jewish civil society organisations such as the Living History Forum also cooperate with the task force.


The Commission is fostering an EU-wide dialogue with Member States and civil society organisations to support the development and implementation of national strategies, to prevent where possible and to respond swiftly to antisemitic incidents, as well as improve communication channels between Jewish communities and national authorities. For these purposes, the Commission’s Working group on the implementation of the EU strategy on antisemitism27 brings together Member States and representatives of Jewish organisations and communities twice a year. In addition, the Commission hosts quarterly roundtables with Brussels-based international Jewish umbrella organisations that address antisemitism.


Moreover, on 16-17 November 2022, the Commission organised its first-ever ‘Civil Society Forum on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life’28 in Brussels, bringing together over 200 representatives of Jewish and other civil society organisations to discuss the challenges in combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.


The EU strategy aims to mainstream the fight against antisemitism across all relevant policy areas and has encouraged Member States to do the same by adopting national strategies against antisemitism or include dedicated measures in their national action plans against racism. Furthermore, the Commission has encouraged Member States to appoint special envoys or national coordinators against antisemitism, and adopt and use the non-legally binding IHRA working definition of antisemitism.


Following the adoption of the EU strategy:


- 23 Member States have developed national strategies on combating antisemitism, of which 14 Member States have developed an alone-standing strategy to combat antisemitism and 9 Member States have included dedicated measures in broader strategies against racism, against extremism or to promote human rights;
- 20 Member States have appointed a special envoy or national coordinator on combating antisemitism;
- 25 Member States have adopted and/or endorsed the IHRA working definition of antisemitism.


The Commission welcomes the development of national strategies and action plans, which show a strong commitment to address the rising threat of antisemitism across Europe. More than half the Member States have put in place ‘standalone’ strategies targeting antisemitism specifically, often with a significant number of dedicated measures. Others have put in place strategies covering antisemitism as part of broader strategies to fight racism or extremism or to promote human rights. In such cases, the measures to combat antisemitism can differ in scope and level of ambition. Some strategies include specific sections dedicated to the fight against antisemitism, making them in scope and ambition comparable to ‘standalone’ strategies against antisemitism. In other strategies, antisemitism is referred to only as part of general measures to combat all forms of racism, hatred and xenophobia, with less attention for the specific challenges antisemitism poses.

Table 1: Progress in EU Member States to take measures to combat antisemitism

MS
1.

Strategy is a ‘standalone’ strategy/action plan against antisemitism
2.

Measures on antisemitism are included in national action plan against racism
3.

IHRA definition adopted/endorsed
4.

Special envoy appointed
ATXXX
BEXX
BGXXX
CYXX
CZXXX
DEXXX
DKXXX
EEXXX
ELXXX
ESXXX
FIXX
FRXXX
HRXXX
HUXXX
IEXX
ITXXX
LTXX
LUXX29X
LVXX
MT
NLXXX
PLX
PTXXX
ROXXX
SEX30XX
SIXX31
SKXX
Total14

9

2520
The table is based on information provided by EU Member States to the Commission.


Jewish organisations have welcomed the national strategies on combating antisemitism as well as the pledges made by many countries at the Malmö International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism in October 202132. In May 2023, the World Jewish Congress presented an assessment of the progress made following the Malmö pledges, which included national strategies. It revealed that pledges had been implemented only partially and emphasized follow-up mechanisms are crucial. The report also showed discrepancies between the expectations of Jewish communities and governments’ actions33.

This assessment is in line with data from the 2023 FRA survey34, according to which Jewish people expect stronger efforts by governments to combat antisemitism. Only 18% of Jews are (somewhat) satisfied with governmental efforts to ‘combat antisemitism’ and only 23% with efforts to ‘promote Jewish life’. They are most satisfied with the government’s ‘public commemoration of the Holocaust’ (47%), ‘response to security needs of the Jewish community’ (32%) and ‘inclusion of the topic of the Holocaust in education’ and ‘celebration of Jewish culture and heritage’ (both 28%).

The implementation of the EU strategy is a common endeavour across the Commission and hence actions have been funded through numerous EU funding programmes35, such as the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, the Justice programme, Horizon Europe, Creative Europe, Erasmus+, the Internal Security Fund, the cohesion policy funds, the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), and the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). The European Commission's Technical Support Instrument (TSI) further supports these efforts by offering tailored assistance to Member States in their fight against racism and antisemitism36.


In particular, increased funding under the CERV programme was deployed to support new instruments and networks at all levels. Funding for projects fighting antisemitism went from approximately EUR 5.2 million in 2021, to EUR 6 million in 2022, and EUR 11 million in 2023. 61 projects were funded over the 3 years for an average of EUR 360,000 per project. Some projects combating antisemitism may also address racism, and other forms of intolerance, and promote Holocaust remembrance. The Commission provides structural support to the European Union of Jewish Students and the Facing Facts network led by CEJI (A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe) as framework partners to fight antisemitism and other forms of hate.



2. Combating antisemitic hate speech and hate crime


The Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law37 provides a strong legal framework to combat, among others, antisemitic hate crimes and hate speech, including the public condoning, denial or gross trivialisation of the Holocaust when carried out in a manner likely to incite to violence or hatred.


The Commission has taken steps to ensure the complete and correct transposition of the Framework Decision and launched 13 infringement procedures against Member States for incomplete or incorrect transposition between October 2020 and August 2024. As a result, six Member States brought their legislation into full compliance with the Framework Decision and the cases were closed. Others have made progress and are amending their legislation. The Commission will continue its efforts to ensure implementation in full38.


To strengthen the legal framework across the EU, the Commission adopted on 9 December 2021 a Communication on 'A more inclusive and protective Europe: extending the list of EU crimes to hate speech and hate crime' which aims to trigger a Council Decision extending the list of ‘EU crimes’ as laid down in Art 83 TFEU to include hate crime and hate speech39. The Council has not yet adopted such a decision.


Germany: Prosecution of incidents is key. In Germany most federal states have appointed antisemitism commissioners to the offices of their public prosecutors general, which have an important responsibility for pursuing antisemitic crimes. Furthermore, they seek to standardize the application of the law in processing antisemitic offenses, to ensure that public prosecutor’s offices communicate with each other and coordinate their investigations, and to administer advanced training on the topic.


The share of Jews who experienced antisemitic harassment in the 12 months prior to the 2023 FRA survey increased from 31% in 2018 to 37% in 2023. 4% of Jewish people experienced antisemitic physical attacks in the 12 months prior to the 2023 survey, compared with 2% in 201840.

With the Joint Communication “No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred” of 6 December 2023, the Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy increased efforts to fight hatred in all its forms. As a follow-up, the Commission organised a European Citizens' Panel on Tackling Hatred in Society in April and May 2024 to look at the root causes of hatred, such as antisemitism, and to elaborate concrete recommendations for EU action41.


On 12 July 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal for the revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive42, which aims to further strengthen the rights of all victims of crime in the EU, including victims of antisemitic hate crime. The 6 March 2024 meeting of the EU Victims’ Rights Platform dedicated attention to victims of antisemitic hate crimes43.


Antisemitic hate speech and hate crimes must be effectively prosecuted and perpetrators convicted. The Commission’s “High Level Group on combating hate speech and hate crime”44 provides guidance and promotes standards and good practices in the area of hate crime data collection, hate crime training and hate crime victims support, and also includes a focus on antisemitism.


Through the Justice programme, the Commission supports the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN) with an operating grant, including for the organisation of seminars on non-discrimination and the fight against antisemitism45. Developing training courses and materials to support justice professionals to recognise and prosecute antisemitism is one of the priorities of the annual call for proposals for actions grants under the Justice programme.


The EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) aims to foster a common law enforcement culture based on fundamental rights. It is developing and accrediting a Diploma Course on fundamental rights, including on the fight against antisemitism, for law enforcement officials in the EU.


Belgium: To improve the recording of antisemitic incidents, Belgium revised the applicable instructions to make it possible to mention an “antisemitic” motive when recording discrimination and hate crimes. The instructions, published on 22 April 2024, also establish guidelines with specific indicators to identify antisemitism. This will generate more accurate figures on antisemitic offences and enable a more targeted policy on antisemitism.

CEPOL specifically addressed the impact of the 7 October attacks on the EU internal security situation from an antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred perspective, in a seminar that took place on 8-9 February 2024. It also cooperates closely with the European Jewish Congress to regularly co-organise webinars on antisemitism. Furthermore, the Commission and CEPOL co-organised a Conference on Hate Crime and Hate Speech on 25 April 2024 which was followed by the meeting of the Working Groups on Hate Crime under the Commission-led High Level Group on combating hate speech and hate crime.


To effectively combat it, antisemitism must be properly monitored. To this end, in May 2021 Austria established the European Conference on Antisemitism as part of a ‘frontrunners group’ of now 15 Member States that have signed the “Vienna Declaration on enhancing cooperation in fighting antisemitism and encouraging reporting of antisemitic incidents”46. With the support of the FRA, the Vienna Declaration signatories aim to develop a common methodology for quantifying and qualifying antisemitic incidents. Through the CERV programme, the Commission supports the European Network Monitoring Antisemitism47 bringing together civil society originations that monitor antisemitic incidents based on the IHRA definition of antisemitism and contribute to the development of the common methodology.



3. Tackling antisemitism online


Antisemitism is widespread online. 91% of Jews perceive ‘antisemitic content on the internet and on social media’ as one of the most problematic manifestations of antisemitism. 90% of Jewish people have themselves encountered antisemitism online. The share of Jews who experienced online antisemitic harassment in the 12 months prior to the 2023 FRA survey increased from 26% in 2018 to 32% in 202348.

In the months after the 7 October 2023 attacks, online platforms facilitated and amplified the spread of hate speech49, violent extremism, and terrorist content. Denial and distortion of the acts of 7 October has become widespread online, including antisemitic conspiracy myths, disinformation, Holocaust denial and distortion, and the claiming of victimhood on the part of the perpetrators – right up to the glorification of terrorism and calling for attacks on Israel and Jews50.


Austria: As a response to the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas, Austria adopted the ‘Package of measures against antisemitism and antisemitic disinformation in the digital space on 18 March 2024. This package foresees 16 new measures aimed at fostering cooperation between the Federal Government and the very large internet platforms and search engines and contributes to the proper implementation of the Digital Services Act.

As the first region in the world, the European Union has adopted in 2022 a legal framework regulating the way platforms may operate in the EU. The Digital Services Act (DSA)51, in force since 17 February 2024, includes new obligations for online platforms to act against illegal content, including illegal antisemitic hate speech. It creates clear and harmonized obligations for online platforms to set up and operate notice and action mechanisms, to be transparent and to timely report on their content moderation practices. Online platforms and online search engines that have more than 45 million users in the EU also must assess and mitigate the risks linked to the use of their service, for example to the dissemination of antisemitic content. The Commission also has direct enforcement powers towards these companies and can fine them if they fail to comply with the relevant provisions or impose interim measures52. In this context, the Commission has sent requests for information in relation to the dissemination of illegal content related to Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel and has opened formal proceedings against X on this issue53.


A reinforced Code of Conduct on countering illegal hate speech online aims to increase the prevention of threats of hate speech before they go viral. The revised Code will be integrated as “DSA Code of conduct” under the meaning of Article 45 of the DSA. This will mean that the new Code will not only set ambitious voluntary commitments but will be recognised as a tool in the context of the DSA risk mitigation approach. The Commission is preparing to reinforce funding to support the implementation of the Code of conduct with an additional EUR 2.2 million, including the support to a dedicated network of organisations specialised on antisemitism. In addition, the Commission has started the preparatory work to organise a hackathon to explore new ways to combat antisemitism online and to conduct a comprehensive data analysis to better understand how antisemitism travels online.


The strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation was presented on 16 June 202254. It seeks to limit the risks of online disinformation, including based on antisemitism, under the DSA. Following the 7 October attacks, the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) conducted an analysis of disinformation55 regarding the conflict and has been actively monitoring developments around antisemitic and other narratives in its monthly fact-checking briefs.


Netherlands: In the Netherlands, the national coordinator on combating antisemitism (NCAB) and web shop Bol.com agreed on 8 November 2022 an initiative that complements criminal law for a better and more efficient approach to ensure antisemitic content is not for sale online. The aim is to tackle the business model behind antisemitism and conspiracy theories and share knowledge and experience with other companies. Amazon joined the initiative in June 2024.


On 12 December 2023 the Commission adopted the Defence of Democracy package56, ahead of the 2024 European elections. A key element of this package is a legislative proposal, which is currently being discussed by the co-legislators, that aims to establish harmonised transparency requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries which are aimed at influencing policies, decision making and the democratic space. The Regulation on transparency and targeting of political advertising, was adopted on 11 March 202457. In the framework of the Action Plan on disinformation, antisemitism is paid specific attention to, including through the East StratCom Task Force58 and EUvsDisinfo59.


Luxembourg: Since 2008, the BEE SECURE STOPLINE in Luxembourg receives reports on illegal content online, including antisemitic postings. To address hate speech online, the public prosecutor and the police decide together whether it is necessary to open an investigation. In some cases, the alleged perpetrator may be offered the option to take part in a “Dialogue instead of hate" programme, in which they are made aware of the harmful effects of their hate speech. However, criminal offenses involving hate speech can also lead to prison sentences.


As part of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) strategy, the EU co-funds Safer Internet Centres that, with their helplines, assist the public, in particular children, when they are confronted with harmful and illegal content. These hotlines might be granted the status of ‘trusted flaggers’ under the DSA, obliging platforms to prioritise and process their reports of illegal content without undue delay. They primarily address child sex abuse material, but under national arrangements some also process reports of racist and xenophobic hate speech, including antisemitism.

 



4. Combating antisemitic discrimination


Two out of 10 Jewish people in Europe experienced discrimination because of their religion or beliefs in one or more areas of their daily lives. Jews most often experience discrimination in educational settings because of their Jewish identity or religion. Around 4 out of 10 Jews are ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ open about being Jewish at work or school, and 33% and 41% even frequently hide their Jewish identity at work and school, respectively60.


At EU level, the Commission closely monitors the implementation of the Racial Equality Directive and the Employment Equality Directive61. Upon request by the European Commission, the European network of legal experts in gender equality and non-discrimination drafted the first report on ‘The legal framework to combat antisemitism in the EU’ which was published in March 202462. It provides a comparative overview of how relevant EU legal instruments have been implemented in the 27 Member States and makes recommendations to strengthen the effective protection against antisemitic acts.

Equality bodies promote non-discrimination and inclusion and, when properly trained, can play a crucial role in fighting antisemitic discrimination. The adoption in 2024 of the two new EU directives strengthening national equality bodies63 is a major step to help to enforce non-discrimination rules (including on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin and religion or belief) and better help victims to access justice. To increase equality bodies’ knowledge about antisemitism, the Commission and Equinet (the European Network of Equality Bodies) hosted a webinar for their staff64.


To build inclusive workplaces, the EU-funded EU Platform of Diversity Charters, aiming to promote diversity at the workplace and address discrimination, convened a webinar with a specific focus on antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and racism65.

Sufficient and accurate equality data about the Jewish population in the EU remains a challenge. The Eurobarometer on Discrimination in the EU66 includes data on Jews and Holocaust education, but not sufficient for a complete picture. In 2023 Eurostat set up an Equality Task Force to improve the collection of equality data, including based on racial or ethnic origin. The Task Force aims to develop guidelines and recommendations for improved comparability and to make proposals for addressing gaps in data collection related to various ethnic groups, including antisemitism statistics and the Jewish population.


5. The European Commission leading by example


The Commission aims to lead by example as an employer by preventing and addressing antisemitism and all forms of hatred and discrimination within the organisation. In 2022, the Commission adopted the diversity and inclusion action plan67 and in 2023 a renewed anti-harassment policy to ensure a safe and inclusive workplace for all. Following the EU strategy, the Commission uses the IHRA working definition of antisemitism as the basis for identifying antisemitic bias. It offers training to newcomers, staff, managers and human resources professionals, including dedicated sessions on Holocaust remembrance, and organises an annual training ‘Unmasking modern antisemitism’. The Commission facilitates the use of flexible working arrangements to accommodate the religious holiday observance for all its staff and is currently preparing to expand the existing flexibility.


3. PROTECTING AND FOSTERING JEWISH LIFE IN THE EU


Security is a prerequisite for a flourishing Jewish life. While, in 2018, 45% of Jews indicated to have considered emigrating because they did not feel safe as Jews in the EU, this had decreased to 41% in the first half of 202368. However, the eruption of antisemitic attacks on Jewish people and Jewish premises following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks significantly worsened the security situation for Jews in the EU. As a result, the Commission accelerated the implementation of the EU strategy and increased the resources dedicated to supporting the security of Jewish communities and institutions.


1. Combating violent extremism and terrorism targeted against Jews


The Commission has stressed the fact that national authorities are responsible for protecting all citizens. Cooperating closely with Jewish communities to address their security concerns is crucial in this regard. Following the 7 October attacks, in cooperation with Member States and other relevant actors, the Commission also upscaled measures on all available levels to prevent and address violent extremism and terrorism.

Complementing national action, the Commission on 21 December 2023 advanced a new call under the Internal Security Fund focused on the protection of public spaces and places of worship from terrorism and included EUR 5 million to specifically fund projects aimed at protecting Jewish places of worship, schools and community gatherings69. In December that year, the High-Risk Security Network (HRSN) initiated a mapping exercise of the measures taken by Member States to better protect the Jewish communities.


Czech Republic: The Government of the Czech Republic has formally approved an annual contribution of 6.5 million CZK (approx. 260 thousand EUR per year) to support the protection of Jewish communities. The recipient of the funding is the Federation of the Jewish Communities of the Czech Republic. This financial commitment is secured through an official document, which remains in effect until 2029.


Since the adoption of the EU strategy, the Commission has also organised two dedicated EU Protective Security Advisory (PSA) missions70 to Jewish communities based on the EU Quick Guide to Support the Protection of Places of Worship71. Furthermore, together with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the World Jewish Congress, the Commission organised a series of events bringing together national law enforcement, security institutions and Jewish communities72.


Denmark: Following 7 October 2023, the Danish National Police initiated an enhanced effort to prevent, deter, and investigate antisemitic attacks and crimes, and to ensure the safety of Jewish citizens. The police have strengthened their focus on the security of Israeli, Jewish and Palestinian interests and activities in Denmark.


In the framework of the EU Internet Forum (EUIF) the Commission convened a meeting on 13 October 2023 with internet industry73, Europol, Member State representatives and their national law enforcement authorities to address the vast amounts of terrorist, violent extremist, and harmful content, including antisemitic content circulating online in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks. In addition, several meetings between Europol and EU Member States’ law enforcement authorities supported coordinated action to prevent the dissemination of violent extremist and terrorist content online74. In addition, on 27 June 2024, Europol concluded a Referral Action Day aimed at identifying and combatting antisemitic content online75.


The Terrorist Content Online (TCO) Regulation applies since 7 June 2022. On 14 February 2024 the Commission adopted a report on its implementation76 showing that the Regulation has been effective in preventing the spread of terrorist content online, following the 7 October terrorist attacks77. On 7 March 2024, the Commission and Europol organised an exercise to test the implementation of the voluntary EU Crisis Protocol alongside relevant obligations and operational procedures under the TCO Regulation, considering new challenges in preventing the dissemination of terrorist content online resulting from the attacks.


The Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) stepped up its efforts to address ‘Antisemitism as a part of almost all extremist ideologies and narratives’78 through a workshop and the publication of the report ‘Approaches to addressing antisemitism in European Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE)’79. The network further addressed the impact of the 7 October attacks on Jewish communities80 in the EU and supported Member States in their strategic communication efforts online and offline following the attacks. The EU Knowledge Hub on prevention of radicalisation81, which was launched by the Commission in June 2024 replacing RAN, continues to monitor and provide analysis of the extremist narratives emanating from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Europe.


Furthermore, at the beginning of 2024, the Commission, with the co-leadership of Germany and Austria, launched a project-based collaboration on antisemitism in preventing and countering violent extremism with 12 Member States to address the rise in radicalisation.



2. Fostering Jewish life and freedom of religion or belief


As a direct consequence of the Shoah, today Jewish communities are small and form significantly less than 1% of the population in any EU country. Fostering Jewish life is therefore a moral obligation and at the heart of the EU antisemitism strategy. This entails having the freedom of marking Jewish holidays and commemoration days and being able to express their Jewishness through specific cultural and religious practices.


Spain: Every two years, the Centro Sefarad-Israel, which is founded and supported by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, organises the Erensya Summit, which takes places in a different country each time. The summit’s purpose is to keep the legacy of the Jewish roots of Spain alive by bringing together Jewish Sephardic communities and institutions from all over the world with the aim of exchanging projects, deepening knowledge of the Sephardic legacy and to extend a cooperation programme that includes cultural, social and academic initiatives.


To support Jewish life, initiatives must be taken at all levels of society. The Commission launched a study to map good practices at regional and local level to combat antisemitism and to develop a guide of best practices. In that context, training on countering antisemitism for local civil servants in three different cities82 took place in 2023. The Euro-Chanukah, hosted by the European Jewish Community Centre and the European Jewish Association in the heart of the European Quarter in Brussels, are occasions to celebrate Jewish life in public and an opportunity for the Commission President and members of the College of Commissioners to join83. The Commission has also started preparatory work to develop an awareness raising campaign to increase knowledge about Jewish life and fighting antisemitism and hatred among the general public.


Freedom of religion or belief is crucial to ensure that Jewish people can enjoy their right to practice their religion in line with their traditions. According to the FRA survey, 68% of Jews across Europe indicated that prohibition of traditional slaughter would be a ‘very big’ or ‘fairly big’ problem for them and 35% has heard non-Jews in their country suggest the prohibition of it84.


Finland: The Finnish Animal Welfare Act adopted on 23 March 2023, modernises the protection of animals in Finland. According to it, the killing or slaughter of an animal must be carried out as quickly as possible and in the least painful manner. At the same time, freedom of religion and belief is safeguarded by permitting methods of religious (kosher and halal) slaughter as long as the act is performed in slaughterhouses in the presence of an inspection veterinarian. This legal principle is crucial for the Finnish Jewish and Muslim communities.


Member States may adopt different rules on ritual slaughtering while striking a fair balance between respect for the freedom to manifest religion and the protection of animal welfare85. Dialogue with the communities that may be possibly affected by relevant legislation is crucial. Therefore, in October 2022, the Commission facilitated a conference on 'Freedom of religion with regard to religious slaughter' that brought together representatives of EU Member States and representatives of national Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities. Community representatives expressed their concerns regarding potentially restrictive legislation that impedes kosher and halal slaughtering alike86.


Addressing antisemitism through sports can serve as an effective preventive measure87. In June 2022, the Commission and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) signed and adopted the third cooperation agreement88. One of the main objectives is to promote European values through the power of football, which is reflected by emphasizing the importance of football in the prevention of and fight against racism and antisemitism in Europe.


Italy: To address antisemitism in sports, on 27 June 2023 a “Declaration of Intent on combating antisemitism in football” was signed by the Italian Minister of Interior, the Minister for Sports and Youth, the National Coordinator on Combating antisemitism, the Italian Football Federation and the Union of Italian Jewish Communities. The Declaration refers to the IHRA definition of antisemitism, explicitly bans players from wearing the No 88 shirt, and foresees in case of antisemitic acts during football matches in the immediate suspension of football competitions.



3. Safeguarding Jewish heritage


Jewish material and immaterial heritage are integral parts of European culture. The extermination of Jewish communities during the Holocaust changed the face of Europe and left many buildings, cemeteries and other Jewish heritage sites unattended or unused and often in poor condition or in danger of deterioration.


Bulgaria: The municipal authorities and the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria renovated, with financial support from the EU, the Vidin synagogue, which is one of the biggest synagogues in the region. It had fallen into disrepair during the Communist period, and on 4 September 2023, reopened as a museum and multi-purpose cultural centre dedicated to the Vidin-born Jewish painter Jules Pascin (1885–1930). It has also been sanctified by two Rabbis and can be used for religious purposes.


The European Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards, a prize awarded under the Commission’s Creative Europe Programme, acknowledges and celebrates the diversity of heritage, including recognising Jewish culture. They emphasize the importance of restoration and preserving and remembering Jewish cultural heritage and traditions, with a dedicated commitment to raising awareness and remembrance of Holocaust victims. As an example, the TISH Jewish Food Festival is a unique event that presents the culture and history of Polish Jews through a celebration of Jewish food heritage89.


Estonia: In Tallinn the site of the destroyed Old Jewish Cemetery was reopened on 12 October 2023 as a memorial area and park. The cemetery was destroyed by the Soviet authorities in the 1960s. The redevelopment project costed EUR 1.6 million and the Jewish community was closely involved in the discussions about the future of the site.


Raising awareness about Jewish heritage across Europe is systematically included in the European Heritage Days (EHD) work programmes and mentioned in the European Heritage Days Stories Competition. National EHD Coordinators have been encouraged to develop a cross-frontier cooperation project on Jewish culture and heritage.


Since July 2022, young people travelling with DiscoverEU90 receive a discount card allowing them to get discounts on cultural visits across Europe, including some Jewish museums and cultural centres. Under the CERV programme, the European week of Jewish culture project received funding worth EUR 400.000.


As part of the EU strategy, the Commission invites cities to address the history of their minorities, including Jewish community history, when applying for the title of “European Capital of Culture”. In 2022 Kaunas, Lithuania, as European Capital of Culture, included the Jewish festival as part of the official activities and Kaunas included a number of other projects addressing the tragic fate of its Jewish community during the Second World War. In 2024, Bad Ischl in Austria used its European Capital of Culture year to present the flourishing life of its Jewish community in the 20s and the 30s and its disappearance due to National Socialism, as part of Remembrance Culture activities.


The Jewish Digital Recovery Project91 - covering Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia - aimed to extend the database of the plundered Jewish cultural assets with new collections. The European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative’s92 core objective is preserving Jewish cemeteries across Europe particularly in the regions impacted by the devastating consequences of the Shoah.


4. EDUCATION RESEARCH AND REMEMBRANCE


Knowledge about Jewish life in Europe over the centuries, the impact of antisemitism and the Holocaust on Jewish people and the European continent are essential to understand the danger of antisemitism today.


1. Education and research on antisemitism and Jewish life


The aim of the EU strategy is to mainstream the prevention of antisemitism across relevant policy areas; this includes developing new education and research tools across Europe. The Working group on equality and values in education and training93 addressed the topic of antisemitism at its meeting of 9 June 2023. On 10 October 2023, the Commission published the report ‘Promoting diversity and inclusion in schools in Europe’, which includes policies to combat antisemitism in education94.


The network of ‘Young European Ambassadors to promote Holocaust remembrance’ led by the Memorial de la Shoah Paris was launched on 16 November 2022, at the occasion of the Civil Society Forum on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life. It will train young Europeans to access and share accurate information about the Holocaust, initiate Holocaust commemoration in their local environment, like schools and universities and recognize and counter Holocaust distortion online.


France: On 30 January 2023, France introduced memorial visits about antisemitism, racism, or antigypsyism for all pupils. These visits are planned for children in primary and secondary education, from the age of 9-11. Similarly, enhanced training for all teaching staff on these topics will be foreseen.

With funding by the European Commission and support from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, on 3 April 2023 UNESCO launched a 2-year joint project to address rising antisemitism through education in Europe, taking place in 12 Member States95.


To support the creation of a ‘European research hub on contemporary antisemitism and Jewish life’, the Commission published on 31 March 2023 the report ‘The field of research on contemporary antisemitism and Jewish life’96. The Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027 foresees that “funded actions will aim to support the creation of a European research hub on contemporary antisemitism and Jewish life and culture”. The Erasmus+ programme funds projects relevant to combating antisemitism and promoting Holocaust remembrance, supporting activities that foster tolerance, respect for human rights, and intercultural dialogue97.


The results of the third FRA survey of Jewish people’s experiences of antisemitism were published on 11 July 2024. Every year the FRA publishes an overview on antisemitic incidents98. The Commission has also started the preparation of the EU survey on antisemitic attitudes.



2. Holocaust education, research and remembrance


The Holocaust is a defining legacy of European history, during which six million Jewish children, women and men, as well as hundreds of thousands of Roma were murdered. Many other victims also suffered from Nazi persecution.


For many decades, thousands of Shoah survivors have served the public and strengthened European democracy by sharing the testimonies of their painful survival. First-hand accounts of the Holocaust continue to have the most powerful impact on following generations. In the future, it will be paramount to find new ways of remembering the Holocaust, honouring the victims and ensuring that the lessons learnt are internalized by all people living in Europe.


Romania: Starting in school year 2023-2024, Romania introduced the “History of the Jews. The Holocaust” as optional subject (1 hour per week for 1 year during the 11th or 12th grade), making Romania the first EU country to do so. The syllabus was designed by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and includes case studies suggested by the representatives of the Jewish Communities in Romania, clearly reflecting the extent and specificity of the Holocaust in Romania.


Following the EU strategy the Commission established its own Holocaust Memorial event. Together with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), and the EU Presidencies (Sweden, 2023 and Belgium 2024), the Commission marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day (IHRD) on 27 January with a conference bringing together the Jewish community and survivors, EU leadership and experts99.


At the occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024, the Commission launched a public call for tender to establish a Europe-wide Network of places where the Holocaust happened (EUR 3 million)100. As there are less and less survivors to share the story of their survival, the importance of memorial sites increases. The aim of the network is to ensure the exchange of good practices and support cooperation between memorial sites.


The European Commission has supported the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure (EHRI)101 with over EUR 26 million over the period 2010-2025. As the largest EU-funded research initiative on the Holocaust globally, EHRI supports trans-national Holocaust research, commemoration and education by connecting sources, institutions and people. It is now transforming itself from an EU funded project into a permanent organisation, which should be fully operational by January 2025, the 80th-anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.


The IHRA Charter for Safeguarding Sites adopted by IHRA on 30 November 2023, contains principles, responsibilities, and recommends good practices to promote the safeguarding of Holocaust sites, sites of the genocide of the Roma, and sites related to crimes of the Nazis and their collaborators102.


Croatia: In Sept 2024, the Croatian Government decided to modernise the Jasenovac Memorial site, by bringing it in line with remembrance practices laid out in the IHRA’s Charter for Safeguarding Sites and appointed new leadership to doing so.


Through the Remembrance strand of the CERV programme, the Commission is supporting Memorial de la Shoah, Centropa, Paidea, ENRS, EUROM, Yahad-un-Unum and EuroClio as framework partners to promote Holocaust remembrance. In addition, funding for action grants for remembrance projects has been increased from EUR 4.5 million in 2021 to almost EUR 11 million in 2023. Half of the funding awarded concerned projects focussing on remembrance of the Holocaust.



3. Holocaust denial, distortion and trivialisation


Holocaust denial, distortion and trivialization are tragically widespread phenomena 80 years after the end of the Shoah. According to the 2023 FRA survey, 79% of Jews encountered Holocaust denial, trivialisation or distortion of the historical facts, and more than two thirds (71 %) of respondents had encountered ‘accusations of Jews exploiting Holocaust ‘victimhood’’103.

The 2008 Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia provides robust legislation prohibiting the condoning, denial or gross trivialisation of the Holocaust. Out of the 13 infringements opened against Member States, seven cases104 are related, among other grievances, to the non-transposition or incorrect transposition of the provisions criminalising the condoning, denial or gross trivialisation of the Holocaust when the conduct is carried out in a manner likely to incite to violence or hatred against a group or a member of such a group identified with regard to the protected characteristic listed there.


The Commission actively promoted the IHRA definition of Holocaust denial and distortion at meetings and events and by publishing it on its website. IHRA itself published a toolkit against Holocaust distortion105 and recommendations for policy and decision makers106.


Portugal: The Never Forget Program developed in 2023 in Portugal focused on the extermination and persecution of millions of Jews and other victims of the Nazi regime, and the courageous action of Portuguese rescuers who, like the diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes and others, took risks to protect the victims of Nazi persecution policies. The programme targets educators, lawyers, diplomats, and public officials.


Through the CERV programme, the Commission supported UNESCO with EUR 200.000, to train journalists and education professionals on countering Holocaust distortion, and develop campaigns, together with the IHRA, such as the ‘#ProtectTheFacts’ campaign. CERV-funded projects, such as Facing Historical and Holocaust Distortion Now, also aim to tackle Holocaust denial, distortion and trivialisation.


5. LEADING THE GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST ANTISEMITISM


With the strategy, the EU reaffirmed its firm and unequivocal commitment to the global fight against antisemitism. This is fully in line with the EU’s strong commitment to promote and protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law worldwide.


1. Use all instruments to address antisemitism through the EU’s external action

 


Hungary: Faced with an influx of Jewish refugees from Ukraine, the Unified Hungarian Jewish Congregation (EMIH) and the Ukrainian Federation of Jewish Congregations in cooperation with the Hungarian authorities, installed long-term accommodation for 600 Jewish refugees in April 2022. The centre provides kosher food and the residents can attend yeshiva for the purpose of pursuing theological studies.

Russia’s war of aggression heavily impacted the Ukrainian Jewish community, the fourth largest Jewish community in Europe with up to 200,000 people and the eleventh largest in the world. As all Ukrainian citizens, the community has been suffering heavily because of the war, and many have been displaced. The EU supported the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) in Ukraine by making available EUR 1.5 million to mobilise 1500 volunteers in the FJC network to provide indicatively 4000 food packages and evacuate at least 4500 persons from 180 communities across Ukraine in the 3 months after the start of the invasion.


The EU aims to cooperate closely with all relevant international organisations and to use all instruments at its disposal to combat antisemitism internationally, through political and human rights dialogues and in broader cooperation with partner countries outside the EU.


The fight against antisemitism is part of the EU’s support to the promotion of the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB) in EU international cooperation through global and country level EU funding. By the end of 2024 the Commission will award two grants under the NDICI supporting various dimensions of Freedom of Religion or Belief for a total amount of EUR 5.5 million.


Concerns regarding Freedom of Religion or Belief were raised by the Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. The human rights dialogues with countries in the Middle East and North Africa offered an opportunity to raise on several occasions the need to introduce school curricula programs about the Holocaust. EU delegations have also met with faith-based organisations including Jewish civil society organisations, whenever requested. Several EU Delegations indicate in their reports violations of freedom of religion or belief, including Holocaust denial.

 


Greece: The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has started to teach all its diplomats at the Diplomatic Academy about the Holocaust and antisemitism, including the IHRA working definition. To get acquainted with Jewish history and contemporary life, they pay visits to the Jewish Museum of Greece and Athens' Synagogues.


The EU-Israel high-level seminar on combating antisemitism was co-organised on 12 June 2023 in Jerusalem and on 7-8 May 2024 in Brussels. At the latter meeting the Commission and Israel reaffirmed their full support to European Jewish communities and the fight against all forms of antisemitism in these difficult times.


Poland: Convinced that people-to-people contact helps to create mutual understanding, the Polish government in March 2023 signed an agreement with the State of Israel for study visits of organised youth groups. On basis of the agreement young Poles and Israelis visit both countries, learn about their history, and meet their peers. The visits include sites of Holocaust crimes perpetrated by Nazi Germany and its collaborators.


The Commission has actively engaged in advancing informal networks of special envoys and coordinators combating antisemitism. Convened by the World Jewish Congress, the Commission co-chairs meetings of the roughly 40 Special Envoys and Coordinators on Combating Antisemitism (SECCA) globally twice a year. Following the 7 October attacks, the Commission co-signed the joint statement by SECCA107 calling on governments to provide the necessary security for Jewish communities, ensuring safety for Jews on campus, encouraging solidarity with Jews from civil society and calling social media platforms to action. The Commission also joint 42 countries in endorsing the Global Guidelines for countering antisemitism108 which summarize necessary actions in the fight against antisemitism.


The Commission has actively cooperated with the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe (CoE) to fight antisemitism worldwide. The EU Delegation to the UN and the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) hosted a briefing on efforts to combat antisemitism109. The Commission also addressed a cross-regional workshop at the UNHCR on “Addressing Antisemitism: A Global Human Rights Challenge”, joining the Organisation of American States, Germany and UNAOC at this US-facilitated event110.


The EU has actively participated in the annual OSCE Conferences on Combating Anti-Semitism111 and raised the topic of antisemitism in the context of the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conferences. The EU strives to closely cooperate with the Council of Europe (CoE) on initiatives to combat racism and antisemitism112. As an example, it contributed to the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) revised General Policy Recommendation on preventing and combating antisemitism113 and cooperates with the CoE’s Special Representative on antisemitic, anti‑Muslim and other forms of religious intolerance and hate crimes.



2. Safeguarding Jewish cultural heritage and commemorating the Holocaust


On 20 January 2022, the UN General Assembly approved, with the support of all EU Member States, a resolution condemning Holocaust denial114. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy annually issued statements on the occasion of Holocaust Remembrance Day115. Some EU Delegations regularly participate in high-level events around the day. As an example, in Geneva, the EU Delegation co-organises every year the official UN Ceremony on the Commemoration for the Victims of the Holocaust. The EU Delegation in Tel Aviv also organizes dedicated commemoration events to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day and Yom HaShoah.


To show the rich and diverse Jewish life in Europe before the Holocaust, the European Commission is sponsoring the World Holocaust Remembrance Center Yad Vashem in Israel with EUR 10 million to create an Immersive Audiovisual Experience in its Valley of the Communities for all ages, including children. The project aims to contribute to dismantling antisemitism and prejudices, raising awareness and knowledge of Jewish history and culture, and achieving full recognition of Jewish life as part of Europe’s society.


In the Neighbourhood and Enlargement regions, the Commission plans several projects to safeguard Jewish heritage and commemorate the Holocaust. A specific lot for projects aimed at fostering Jewish life and Jewish cultural heritage, with a total allocation of EUR 1.5 million, was included in an Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) regional call for proposals for civil society organisations in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Commission has allocated EUR 260.000 for the Sarajevo Holocaust Museum.


Under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) the Commission has earmarked EUR 7 million for fighting antisemitism and preserving Jewish heritage in Ukraine and EUR 3 million for management and preservation of Jewish-Moroccan cultural sites and intangible heritage in Morocco.


6. CONCLUSION


Antisemitism is a threat to European democracy and the security of the European Union. Antisemitic conspiracy myths, hate speech and disinformation attacking the Jewish community are polarising, with a negative effect on the public debate. This ultimately affects the democratic sphere altogether. It is essential that attacks against Jews are not left unaddressed and that hate crimes are investigated and justice served, in accordance with the rule of law. In line with the 2020 European Democracy Action Plan, the EU Security Union Strategy (2020-25) and the Defense of Democracy package adopted in 2023, the European Commission is determined to protect the EU democratic sphere and ensure the security of all its citizens, including Jews. In the face of the current challenges, the European Union action is driven by the determination and commitment to bring an end to antisemitism, and to ensure that Jews in Europe can go about their lives in line with their cultural and religious traditions and free from security concerns.


This progress report shows that since the adoption of the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life in 2021 across Europe structures have been created and a wide-range of EU-led or EU-funded initiatives across Member States and civil society have been taken to address antisemitism, to foster Jewish life and to ensure Holocaust remembrance. To address the challenges in an effective and needs-based manner, the Commission maintains a regular dialogue with representatives of Jewish communities and Jewish organisations.

The report shows that awareness about the danger of antisemitism has increased among state actors. This has led to the adoption of national strategies against antisemitism in 23 EU Member States, to the appointment of 20 national envoys or coordinators on combating antisemitism and the EU-wide establishment of the non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance as a useful tool for the fight against antisemitism. In many EU countries their ambitious strategies have led to impactful initiatives.

The European Commission has engaged in an effective platform for the continuous exchange of best practices among special envoys in Europe and globally to create synergies and initiate joint action, such as the Joint Statement of Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism and the Global Guidelines on countering antisemitism of July 2024.

Besides implementing the 90 initiatives of the EU Antisemitism Strategy, the aim of the European Commission has been to address Europe-wide challenges such as antisemitism online and ensuring Holocaust remembrance and provide added value for the Member States and civil society actors. The Commission is also supporting actions in Member States and for civil society actors, including through significantly increased funding, and relies on close cooperation with EU Institutions and Member States to drive the agenda on European level. This led to a strengthening of structures and support within EU Member States, not only addressing antisemitism but in addition pursuing a positive agenda of fostering Jewish life.

Yet, following 7 October 2023, European Jews are faced with unprecedented threats and violent acts. The everyday life of Jews in Europe has been impacted deeply. Faced with an unprecedented surge in hate speech and violent incidents, security measures had to be significantly upscaled and public manifestations of Jewish life were severely disrupted. Such intimidation is not only a threat to safety and security. It constitutes a threat to EU values and to democracy.

Therefore, the determination to fight antisemitism in the EU is more relevant than ever. The EU antisemitism strategy runs until 2030, yet the recent aggravation of the situation calls for further efforts for its effective implementation and update, as necessary. The European Commission is determined to use all available legal and policy tools to ensure that Jewish life can prosper across the EU and Jews can go about their lives free from security concerns and fully benefit from their democratic rights.


1 EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life

2 Council Conclusions on combating racism and antisemitism on 4 March 2022; European Council, 14-15 December 2023

3 EU Strategy on combating antisemitism – first progress report

4 IHRA working definition of antisemitism

5 EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life

6 Eurobarometer 484, Perceptions of antisemitism, 2019

7 EU Agency for Fundamental Rights: Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism

8 Hamas has been on the EU list of terrorist organisations since 2003.

9 On 7 October 2024.

10 See European Council Conclusions of 27 June 2024. At the same time, the Commission condemned the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the fact that many civilians, in particular children and women, lost their lives as a result of Israel's response to Hamas' brutal terror, leading to an increase of the EU humanitarian aid to those populations, while working on a much larger multi-year package to support an effective Palestinian Authority.

11 Statement 7 October 2023 (europa.eu).

12 Institute for Jewish Policy Research: Antisemitism in the aftermath of October 7: What do the data tell us, and what more do we still need to know?’ | JPR, 1 October 2024.

13 Service de Protection de la Communauté Juive (SPCJ)

14 According to the third FRA survey on discrimination and hate crime against Jews, the overall reporting rate of antisemitic discrimination by Jews is only 11%, hence the reported incidents are only the tip of the iceberg. Not all EU Member States record antisemitic incidents in a desegregated manner.

15 Centrum Informatie en Documentatie Israël

16 Antisemitic cases 2023 in Austria

17 Politisch motivierte Kriminalität in Deutschland erreicht neuen Höchststand

18 European Jewish Congress calls on Europe’s university rectors to protect Jewish students

19 The rise of antisemitism at European Universities as a result of the 7 October Massacre, 1 February 2024. Spread of reported incident: Vandalism (19,5%); Cyberbullying (19,5%), Incitement to violence, discrimination, exclusion (28,3%), Verbal harassment, slurs, physical violence (32,7%)

20 Institute for Strategic Dialogue, Rise in antisemitism on both mainstream and fringe social media platforms following Hamas’ terrorist attack, 7 February 2024.

21 Ecosystems of hate speech online in the EU related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, 2024.

22 Communication on “No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred” | European Commission, 6 December 2023.

23 Vice-President Schinas made it a priority to visit Jewish communities in the EU, including in Greece, France, Germany or Belgium and when travelling abroad like in Australia or Brazil.

24 For example, the EC Coordinator on combatting antisemitism and fostering Jewish life spoke at the demonstration against antisemitism in Brussels on 10 December 2023.

25 Speech by the President at the lighting of the Euro-Chanukah, 10 December 2023, Brussels.

26 Communication on “No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred” | European Commission, 6 December 2023.

27 Aspects of the implementation of the EU strategy were discussed at meetings of the Working Group on 14-15 December 2021 in Brussels, 1-2 June 2022 in Brussels, 6-7 December 2022 in The Hague, 2-4 May 2023 in Bucharest, and in Brussels on 22-23 January 2024.

28 Civil Society Forum on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life

29 Luxembourg adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism without its 11 examples.

30 Sweden’s Action programme to combat antisemitism is a complement to the National plan against racism, similar forms of hostility and hate crime that was adopted in 2016.

31 Slovenia adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism without its 11 examples.

32 Pledges presented at the Malmö International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism on 13 October 2021.

33 WJC: An assessment after 17 months, 2023.

34 EU Agency for Fundamental Rights: Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism, 2023.

35 Under the current multi-annual financial framework for 2021-2027.

36 Technical Support Instrument (TSI)

37 Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law

38 Procedures against Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden are ongoing. Procedures against Belgium, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Romania were started and have been closed following these Member States’ necessary legislative reforms to comply with the Framework Decision.

39 Extending EU crimes to hate speech and hate crime

40 EU Agency for Fundamental Rights: Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism, 2023.

41 Final Recommendations of the European Citizens Panel on Tackling Hatred in Society, 20 May 2024.

42 Proposal for a Directive amending the 2012 Victims' Rights Directive

43 EU Victims’ Rights Platform

44 Combating hate speech and hate crime - European Commission (europa.eu)

45 One of the European Judicial Training Network flagship activities, carried out in cooperation with the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, is the annual seminar on Antisemitism and Hate Crimes hosted in Krakow and Oswiecim (Auschwitz). Training materials on anti-discrimination, including antisemitism, are available on the European training platform.

46 The Vienna Declaration has been signed by Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania and Slovakia.

47 European Network Monitoring Antisemitism, launched in April 2024.

48 EU Agency for Fundamental Rights: Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism, 2023.

49 The Commission acknowledges Meta’s approach to ‘Zionist’ as a proxy for hate speech. Meta will remove content that targets "Zionists" with dehumanizing comparisons, calls for harm, or denials of existence on the basis that “Zionist” in those instances often appears to be a proxy for Jewish or Israeli people.

50 Rise in antisemitism on both mainstream and fringe social media platforms following Hamas’ terrorist attack, Institute for Strategic Dialogue, 7.2.2024.

51 Digital Services Act

52 Questions and answers on the Digital Services Act

53 Supervision of the designated very large online platforms and search engines under DSA

54 The 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation

55 EDMO – Preliminary analysis of the Israel/Hamas conflict-related disinformation

56 Defence of Democracy Package

57 Regulation on the transparency and targeting of political advertising

58 East Stratcom Task Force

59 EUvsDisinfo

60 EU Agency for Fundamental Rights: Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism

61 The Racial Equality Directive offers protection for Jewish people against discrimination (including harassment) based on ‘racial or ethnic origin’ in certain areas of life and the Employment Equality Directive offers protection for Jewish people against discrimination (including harassment and instructions to discriminate) on the grounds of religion or belief in the area of employment and occupation. The existing legal gap in the protection against discrimination based, among other on grounds, of religion or belief could be closed by extending the protection beyond the current area of employment as foreseen in the proposal for the Equal Treatment Directive.

62 The legal framework to combat antisemitism in the EU

63 Strengthening the role of equality bodies across the EU: Council adopts two directives; Council Directive (EU) 2024/1499; Directive (EU) 2024/1500

64 Webinar on 10 March 2022.

65 Webinar on 30 May 2023.

66 Special Eurobarometer SP535: Discrimination in the European Union

67 People first – Diversity and inclusion

68 EU Agency for Fundamental Rights: Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism

69 Under the ISF call of 2022 the Commission provided EUR 8.3 million to support projects dedicated to increasing the protection of religious sites, while under the 2020 call it had provided EUR 14.5 million. An example of a project funded is Safer and Stronger Communities in Europe (SASCE), implemented by the Security and Crisis Center (SACC) of the European Jewish Congress (EJC). This project of EUR 2.5 million, enabled to equip 1000 places of worships in Europe with emergency tablets. ISF-2024-TF2-AG-PROTECT-jewish-places-worship

70 Missions took place to Sweden and Poland in 2022 based on the Commission’s Quick Guide to Support the Protection of Places of Worship

71 EU Quick Guide to Support the Protection of Places of Worship

72 Events were organised in Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland, Italy, North Macedonia and Moldova.

73 List of members of the EU Internet Forum and additional information

74 The Commission shared an information package to support the detection of terrorist content and informed about the tools available for Member States to prevent dissemination of violent extremist and terrorist content, including antisemitic content. Europol’s EU IRU provided an upgraded “Terrorist content online detect package” to support voluntary content moderation by companies, in particular for smaller platforms.

75 Europol concluded a Referral Action Day aimed at identifying and combatting antisemitic content online

76 Report on the effective implementation of the TCO Regulation

77 Following Hamas’ attacks on 7 October 2023, the German competent authority has sent 249 removal orders, mostly to Telegram until 31 December 2023. In addition, as of 13 May 2024, 24 Member States have appointed competent authorities to issue removal orders and more than 350 removal orders have been issued.

78 RAN C&N Antisemitism as a part of almost all extremist ideologies and narratives, online meeting 29-30 March 2022

79 Approaches to addressing antisemitism in European P/CVE, published 22 March 2023.

80 In RAN Practitioners Update 117

81 EU Knowledge Hub on prevention of radicalisation

82 Bologna, Brussels and Nice.

83 President von der Leyen lights Euro-Chanukah candle, accompanied by Vice-President Schinas, 2023

84 EU Agency for Fundamental Rights: Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism

85 Judgement in Case C 336/19 Centraal Israëlitisch Consistorie van Belgie and Others.

86 Summary report - Freedom of religion with regard to religious slaughter, 20 October 2022

87 See survey by the EU-funded project Building Bridges: Insights on Combating Antisemitism Through Football 6cea.pdf (whatmatters.de)

88 European Commission and UEFA sign third cooperation agreement

89 European Heritage – Europa Nostra Awards: TISH Jewish food festival

90 DiscoverEU | European Youth Portal

91 Jewish Digital Recovery Project

92 The European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative

93 EEA strategic framework working groups

94 Promoting diversity and inclusion in schools in Europe

95 UNESCO and the European Commission launch project to address rising antisemitism through education

96 The field of research on contemporary antisemitism and Jewish life: Working towards a European research hub

97 Erasmus+ project results

98 Antisemitism in 2022 - Overview of Antisemitic incidents recorded in the EU

99 2023 Holocaust Remembrance Conference: Remembering the past. Shaping the future

2024 Holocaust remembrance conference: Remembering the past. Shaping the future

100 Establishment of a secretariat to develop and support the operations of the European Network of Places where the Holocaust happened

101 EHRI

102 IHRA Charter for Safeguarding Sites

103 EU Agency for Fundamental Rights: Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism

104 Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden.

105 IHRA Toolkit Against Holocaust Distortion

106 IHRA Recommendations for Policy and Decision Makers

107 Joint Statement of Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism, 6 Nov 2023.

108 Global Guidelines on countering antisemitism, 17 July 2024

109 Hosted at UN New York, 15 June 2023.

110 Side Event at the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Geneva, on 4 September 2024.

111 Malta (2024), North Macedonia 2023, and Poland 2022.

112 Conclusions on EU priorities for cooperation with the Council of Europe 2023-2024

113 ECRI revised General Policy Recommendation No. 9 on preventing and combating Antisemitism

114 UN General Assembly approves resolution condemning Holocaust denial

115 Statement HRVP IHRD 2022, Statement HRVP IHRD 2023, and Statement HRVP IHRD 2024.

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