92003E1514

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1514/03

by André Brie (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(5 May 2003)

Subject: Marked increase in anti-Semitic outrages in the EU in 2002

With regard to various studies (including by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC)), the Council's attention is drawn to the dramatic increase in anti-Semitic outrages in the EU Member States last year (peaking between the end of March and mid-May 2002). The research studies into what has caused this development point in no uncertain terms to, inter alia, the link between radicalisation of the Middle East conflict (in particular the current criticism, involving anti-Semitic stereotypes, of Israeli Government policy) and the new wave of anti-Semitism.

The various studies point to two significant aspects:

- that what is dangerous is not necessarily how many anti-Semitic incidents there are, but, rather, how serious the actions are;

- that although some of those responsible for anti-Semitic outrages are right-wing extremists, many more are to be found among radical Islamists or young Muslims, though the latter are themselves victims of discrimination and racist violence.

The fact that the political will to combat such waves of anti-Semitic outrages is usually short-lived and, in the process, the need for a long-term approach to be developed and funded is ignored is also clearly pointed up.

Can the Council say:

- whether it is aware of these developments and what conclusions have been drawn to date?

- whether action has been or is being taken to monitor/observe such anti-Semitic outrages more effectively and combat and curb them, and, if so, what does that action involve?

- whether action has been taken or is being taken to contribute to better understanding of Jewish history, the various aspects of Judeo-Christian relations and the Holocaust, with particular regard for a multicultural school-age audience, and, if so, what does that action involve?

Reply

(29 September 2003)

The Council strongly condemns any anti-Semitic outrages and is concerned regarding the possible increase of these outrages.

The EUMC is explicitly created to monitor racist or xenophobe incidents, which include anti-Semitic incidents. No further observation mechanisms are planned.

Historical education of the population is not within the competence of the Council.