EU body calls for ‘mainstreaming fight against antisemitism’ in Europe
The Council of the European Union calls on member states to adopt a series of policies to combat the antisemitism in Europe.
By JEREMY SHARONA European Union flag flies outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, December 19, 2019.(photo credit: REUTERS/YVES HERMAN)
The Council of the European Union, a key legislative body in the EU, adopted a declaration on Wednesday expressing concern over the prevalence of antisemitism in Europe and calling on member states to adopt a series of policies to combat the phenomenon.The declaration by the council, which comprises ministers from the 27 EU member states, said that it is “our permanent, shared responsibility to actively protect and support Jewish life,” while noting that “antisemitism in all its forms is increasingly prevalent in Europe.“The increase in threats to Jewish persons in Europe, including the resurgence of conspiracy myths, public expressions of antisemitism, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increase in antisemitic incidents and hate crime, is a cause of great concern,” the declaration added.In December 2018, a study commissioned by the EU found that 28% of respondents had experienced a form of antisemitic harassment at least once in the 12 months preceding the survey, and that more than 70% of respondents had heard or seen antisemitic comments.The council document, titled “Council declaration on mainstreaming the fight against antisemitism across policy areas,” drew specific attention to online hate speech and called for action to punish those who engage in it, and for such speech to be removed from online platforms by Internet service providers.“Crimes committed online should be punished just as crimes off-line are, and must be adequately addressed by means of effective prosecution and other measures,” says the declaration.The declaration also called for the use of the working definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance to assist governments and NGOs to respond consistently to antisemitism across the continent, although it noted the IHRA definition is not legally binding.“The member states of the European Union agree to mainstream the prevention and countering of antisemitism in all its forms,” reads the declaration.“The fight against antisemitism is a cross-cutting issue involving various levels of government and policies at local, national and European levels. Awareness of antisemitism therefore needs to be increased across policies and responsibilities.”The document also calls for finding ways to remember the Holocaust so as to keep its memory alive, saying: “Education about the Holocaust, antisemitism and Jewish life remains one of the most important tools to prevent antisemitic prejudices.”
The World Jewish Congress welcomed the council’s declaration, noting that it was adopted during the German presidency of the council.“Europe has a serious and terrifying antisemitism problem, and it’s high time that the European Union, its member states and local authorities direct real resources to it,” said WJC president Ronald Lauder.“The responsibility now falls on member states to apply the policies and understanding laid out by the European Union in each of their countries, to ensure that the scourge of antisemitism is dealt with, that perpetrators are prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law, and that our next generation learns that hatred is unacceptable.”
