92003E1780

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1780/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(28 May 2003)

Subject: Conclusions from the Round Table on Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia

What conclusions has the Commission drawn from the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia and European Commission Round Table on Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia held in Brussels on 21 March 2003?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 2003)

The Member of the Commission responsible for Employment and Social Affairs requested the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia in 2002 to organise, with the co-operation of Directorate General (DG) Employment and Social Affairs, a series of Round Table meetings on Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in Europe. Three meetings took place on anti-Semitism (5 December 2002), Islamophobia (6 February 2003) and Intercultural Dialogue (20 March 2003). The Member of the Commission called for these Round Table meetings as she was concerned about the growing evidence of discrimination against Jewish and Muslim communities in Europe in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001. The Member of the Commission also wished to explore how far intercultural and inter-religious dialogue in Europe could contribute to lessening tensions between communities.

The three Round Tables brought together in total over 100 high-level experts, including religious leaders, academics, journalists and non-governmental organisations, from across Europe to discuss the problems facing religious minorities in Europe today.

The Monitoring Centre is currently preparing, together with the Commission, a conference report containing summaries of the three Round Table meetings and written contributions of key speakers. Although a wide range of views and opinions were expressed during the three discussions, the aim of this report is to draw out the themes and issues which recurred across all three meetings, including in particular the importance of action at local level, of the balanced portrayal of religious minorities in the media, and of the vital role of education in promoting tolerance and respect. This report will be used to disseminate to a wider audience the results of the discussions.