The European Union has an obligation to defend our fundamental values, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. For this reason, the EESC strongly supported the establishment of the European Commission's Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life at its March plenary.

The EESC firmly believes that antisemitism is a test of the European idea, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and democracy, explains rapporteur Ákos Topolánszky.

The Committee applauds the strategy for seeking not only to address antisemitism but also to foster Jewish life, and work towards public policies and community cooperation promoting mutual acceptance.

The EESC deems it essential to understand the roots and causes of all forms of violence against Jewish individuals and communities in order to be able to take effective action, not only through the criminal justice system, but also through a more effective system of action at community and societal level. 

Moreover, as an integral part of European identity, Jewish culture must be made more accessible to citizens and the general public. The Committee calls on EU institutions, Member States and social partners to properly present and celebrate the Jewish community's role in the EU as an essential and inalienable part of a common culture.

The Committee believes that all constitutional and EU legal instruments should be consistently used to tackle antisemitic content in the media, while improving knowledge and understanding of Jewish life through more balanced and sensitive reporting. 

In most cases, the representation of Jewish communities and their members on traditional and social media is very limited, focusing primarily on the impact of antisemitic violence and terrorism. However, there is also a need to present positive content beyond this as recognition of the importance of social coexistence. 

As a final point, the EESC encourages the European Commission to give the fight against antisemitism and the strategic agenda for the promotion of Jewish life a strong external dimension, in all aspects of cooperation with third countries and international organisations. The Committee points to our neighbourhood policy and development cooperation instruments, as well as the instruments for bringing EU candidate countries closer to the EU, as appropriate mechanisms for combating antisemitism and promoting Jewish life. (gb)