The European college of Commissioners, concerned about the “persistence and significant increase of antisemitic incidents” in the EU, on Tuesday 5 October adopted a strategy “on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life”.
As announced in June (see EUROPE 12736/24), this 2021-2030 strategy is structured around three priorities: the fight against antisemitism, the protection of Jewish life, and education and research on antisemitism, Judaism and the Holocaust.
Combating all forms of antisemitism. Firstly, the EU27 are invited to appoint dedicated coordinators and to develop national strategies to combat antisemitism by the end of 2022.
The Commission also expects national governments to strengthen the capacity of their police and judicial authorities to prosecute online hate speech and of their national equality bodies to ensure the reporting of any antisemitic incidents.
The European institution notes that it will present a draft directive on these organisations next year (see EUROPE 12769/19) and pledges to do its utmost to increase their knowledge on antisemitism.
In addition, the Commission should set up a European network of “trusted flaggers” to detect antisemitic incidents online.
When asked about the selection of these “flaggers”, Commission Vice-President Margarítis Schinás indicated without further clarification that they would be actors with “a very specific type of skills”, appointed in close cooperation with Jewish organisations.
Protection of Jewish life. On the second aspect, the Commission intends to work in particular on the protection of places of worship. As part of its actions to support the protection of public spaces and in line with this strategy, the Commission will launch a call for projects in 2022 with a budget of €24 million.
The institution also emphasises the need to “foster Jewish life” in order to give greater visibility to Jewish communities. It said that in the light of this, it would invite cities to address the history of their minorities when applying for the title of Capital of Culture and to use Heritage Days to draw attention to Jewish heritage in Europe.
The Commission commits itself, in order to “lead by example”, to encourage the implementation of flexible working time for its staff when necessary to allow for the celebration of a religious holiday.
Research, education, awareness raising. Finally, concerning the third part of the strategy, one should note the decision to “encourage”, via Horizon Europe in particular, the creation of a European research centre on contemporary antisemitism and Jewish life and culture.
In addition, the Commission should support the establishment of a network of youth ambassadors to promote Holocaust remembrance in schools and universities.
To consult all the initiatives and recommendations: https://bit.ly/3DdSusu (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki)