Combating antisemitism: EU adopts first-ever strategy

NEW YORK – After years of working with EU leadership to fight antisemitism at the European, Member-State and local levels, the World Jewish Congress applauds the adoption of a comprehensive strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.  

The announcement by the European Commission of the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life comes just a few days before the second anniversary of the Halle synagogue attack. 

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder welcomed the declaration: “Antisemitism is a huge problem in Europe and it’s high time that the European Union, its Member-States and local authorities adopt a comprehensive strategy on tackling the main challenges on combating antisemitism. I applaud the Commission for putting forward an ambitious plan that encompasses all aspects of fighting antisemitism, Holocaust remembrance and embracing the Jewish contribution to the European way of life. I look forward to working with the European Commission on putting this into practice.”

The strategy was first announced in October 2020 in the European Commission’s 2021 Work Programme as part of “promoting our European way of life” and was followed by wide consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the World Jewish Congress. Earlier this year, during the World Jewish Congress’ 16th Plenary Assembly, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed that the European Union is committed to combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.

The strategy delineates three major approaches with several key actions: preventing and combating all forms of antisemitism; protecting and fostering Jewish life in the EU; and education, research and Holocaust remembrance. The World Jewish Congress will continue to work with the Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism (SECCA) in the EU to monitor and support the implementation of these action points.

This important step follows, and reaffirms, the Council of the European Union’s Dec. 6, 2018, declaration under the leadership of the Austrian presidency of the Council and the 2020 Council Declaration of the European Union under the German presidency of the Council on the fight against antisemitism, and the development of a common security approach to protect Jewish communities and institutions in Europe.