Council Declaration on mainstreaming the fight against antisemitism across policy areas

Summary:

Declaration adopted by the Council of the European Union on 2 December 2020 on mainstreaming the fight against antisemitism across policy areas.

Further information:

The Council emphasises that the fight against anti-semitism 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 Member States of the European Union (EU) agreed to mainstream the prevention and countering of antisemitism in all its forms.

Concern is expressed at the increase in threats to Jewish people in Europe, and the resurgence of conspiracy myths, as well as the increase in anti-semitic incidents and hate crime. It stresses that antisemitism has developed into various forms and must be combated with complementary public policies. 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.

• Primary Source

Official

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 02/12/2020: Antisemitism: Council declaration on fighting antisemitism https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/12/02/antisemitism-council-declaration-on-fighting-antisemitism/

European Commission: Statement by Vice-President Schinas on the Council Declaration on fighting Antisemitism (2 December 2020) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_20_2290

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