Council approves declaration on the fight against antisemitism

With this declaration, the Council emphasises that the fight against antisemitism is a cross-cutting issue involving various levels of government and policies at local, national and European level. Awareness of antisemitism therefore needs to be raised across policy areas and responsibilities.

The EU i member states have agreed to mainstream the prevention and countering of antisemitism in all its forms.

Felix Klein, Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism:

Antisemitism is an EU-wide phenomenon. To counter it effectively, we need an appropriate set of European instruments and a sufficient basis. This is precisely the approach taken by the declaration, which I greatly welcome. In my view, tackling antisemitism as a comprehensive and networked task extending across policy areas and levels of government is a real milestone.

The Council expresses its concern at the increase in threats to Jewish people in Europe, and the resurgence of conspiracy myths, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the increase in antisemitic incidents and hate crime.

It stresses that antisemitism has developed into various forms and must be combated with complementary public policies. Illegal hate speech and online terrorist content must be removed promptly and consistently by internet service providers. A strong and systematic judicial response to antisemitic acts is also necessary.

Education about the Holocaust, antisemitism and Jewish life remains one of the most important tools in preventing antisemitic prejudices. Sharing good practices to foster media literacy and awareness of conspiracy myths is also key.

The member states also welcome the European Commission's decision to make the fight against antisemitism a priority, as well as the strengthening of the institutional basis for the coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.

Council Declaration on mainstreaming the fight against antisemitism across policy areas, 2 December 2020 External link

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