EU strives to eliminate antisemitism from its Member States

The Rapporteur of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Committee of the Regions saw his opinion on the European Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life (2021-2030), which was adopted by the CoR plenary.

On June 29, Mr Ádam Karácsony, Vice-President of the Pest county and a Hungarian Member of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Committee of the Regions saw his opinion on the European Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life (2021-2030) adopted by the CoR plenary.

Drawing on experience in educational, cultural, and social matters, the opinion aims at addressing the issue of discrimination towards Jewish people, and the proliferation of antisemitic attitudes in the EU Member States. Furthermore, it contributes towards a broader Europe-wide strategy on protecting Jewish communities. In recent years, there has been a new rise in antisemitic bigotry, rhetoric, and attacks, with many Jewish people reporting that they no longer feel safe in their own cities. This has been reflected in a big rise in emigration to Israel and the dwindling of historical Jewish communities across Europe.

Mr Karácsony also pointed out the importance of the local perspective: “The new EU strategy on combatting antisemitism rightly includes a reference to the much needed support for local councils and regional communities so they can implement policies to safeguard their Jewish heritage and raise awareness of local Jewish life, culture, and tradition.”

However, the most significant area of attention was the field of education. Speaking on the matter, Mr Karácsony commented:

“Although education belongs to the national competence of Member States, I believe that there is scope for a pan-European initiative for fighting antisemitism in the field of education and taking more efficient steps in dismantling prejudices against Jews.”

The final version of the opinion was met with great acclaim, and represents a first of its kind for the European Committee of the Regions.

source: European Conservatives and Reformists Group, European Committee of the Regions