Report on the EU strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life shows Member States have taken action against antisemitism
Today, the Commission has published its first progress report on the 2021-2030 EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life. The progress report shows that in line with the EU strategy, most Member States have taken action against antisemitism since 2021, including: 23 Member States developed national strategies against antisemitism; 20 Member States appointed a special envoy or national coordinator on combating antisemitism; 25 Member States adopted or endorsed the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism.
Yet, Since the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023, antisemitic incidents have skyrocketed across Europe. Therefore, the determination to fight antisemitism in the EU is more relevant than ever. That is why the Commission has, for example, accelerated the implementation of the EU strategy, made funding available fo
r security of Jewish premises, is developing a dedicated network of organisations specialised in combatting online antisemitism and is supporting the establishment of a ‘Network of places where the Holocaust happened’.
Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: ‘Following our first ever EU Strategy against antisemitism back in November 2021, Commission and Member States have introduced specific measures to address antisemitism, foster Jewish life and ensure Holocaust remembrance like never before. Yet the situation for Jews in Europe has dramatically worsened. We need to do our utmost to ensure that all Jewish Europeans can go about their lives, free from fear.’
This report comes in parallel to the new Council declaration on fostering Jewish life and combating antisemitism set to be adopted on 15 October, which demonstrates the Member States’ commitment to combat antisemitism across the EU. More information about the national strategies on combating antisemitism can be
found here.
(For more information: Jördis Ferroli – Tel.: +32 2 299 27 29; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 291 31 73)
Executive Vice-President Šefcovic and Vice-President Jourová participate in the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg
Tomorrow, Executive Vice-President Šefcovic and Vice-President Vera Jourová participate in the General Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.
The Ministers are expected to continue preparations for the European Council of 17-18 October 2024, as well as to approve the country-specific recommendations of the European Semester 2024 and discuss EU-Switzerland relations. Executive Vice-President Šefcovic will also update the Council on the latest developments on EU-UK relations.
Vice-President Jourová will also present to the Ministers findings of her Democracy Tour during which she has visited several Member States and the US, encouraging efforts to protect elections against manipulation, foreign interference and disinformation. The Vice-President will also present the 25th meetin
g of the European Cooperation Network on Elections where she has shared her first overview and her key takeaways regarding the integrity of the 2024 elections to the European Parliament.
In the margins of the Council, Ministers are set to adopt a Declaration on fostering Jewish life and combating antisemitism. Since the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023, antisemitic incidents have skyrocketed across Europe. Therefore, this Declaration is the testimony to the EU’s strong commitment to fight antisemitism. It comes in parallel to the Commission’s first progress report on the 2021-2030 EU Strategy on antisemitism. A press conference with Vice-President Jourová will take place at around 14:45 CEST. You can follow it live on EbS.
(For more information: Jördis Ferroli – Tel.: +32 2 299 27 29; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 291 31 73)
Just Transition Platform Conference kicks-off in Brussels to spotlight EU-funded projects and exchange best practices
Tomorrow, the 10th edition of the Just Transition Platform Conferenc
e kicks-off in Brussels and online, bringing together more than 800 participants from EU regions strongly involved in the Just Transition Mechanism. Participants will discuss the many achievements of the ‘just transition’ on the ground and will exchange best practices.
On Tuesday, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira will open the event and will inaugurate the first-ever exhibition dedicated to projects funded under the Mechanism, which will share examples of actions from across Europe. These projects cover upskilling opportunities, land repurposing, and support to research and innovation. The Conference will also explain assistance available to support the regions making the transition to a net-zero economy.
On Wednesday, discussions will focus on additional financing options available under the Public Sector Loan Facility, which have, for example, already supported sustainable and affordable housing in Skellefteå, Sweden and public transport accessibility in Lille, France. Other sessions w
ill look at the repurposing of land after phasing out coal and how female entrepreneurship can contribute to the green transition.
On Thursday, a ‘Multi-Level Dialogue on Just Transition’ will be held to support a better exchange of best practices between the different levels of governance at national and regional level.
Launched in 2020, the Just Transition Platform provides stakeholders with key information on the support available under the Just Transition Mechanism. This financial support is provided by the Just Transition Fund and the Public Sector Loan Facility. The key aim is to ensure that no region or person is left behind during the transition to a net-zero economy.
All sessions will be livestreamed and can be followed online.
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 2 298 46 80; Laetitia Close – Tel.: +32 2 296 70 73)
International Product Safety Week 2024 ‘Bridges for Global Product Safety’
Inspiring sessions, interactive discussions and unparalleled networking opportunities
!
With global supply chains and rapid digitalisation of consumer markets, opportunities and challenges for consumer product safety are increasingly cross-border and interlinked. That’s why every two years, since 2008, the European Commission’s Directorate General for Justice and Consumers brings safety experts together from all around the world for the International Product Safety Week.
This year’s edition of the International Product Safety Week will take place on 14-17 October 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. The event will provide an excellent opportunity for discussion among a broad range of stakeholders, including national authorities, international regulators, consumer organisations, industry, standard-makers, test laboratories, researchers, lawyers and other product safety experts.
The open part of the conference will focus on ‘Bridges for Global Product Safety’. It will feature a series of interactive and insightful sessions on the most topical product safety issues as well as a workshop organised togeth
er with the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
We truly hope you will be able to join us in person to fully benefit from the networking and interaction opportunities! If you are not able to travel, you can still watch the live streaming of the event upon registration.
Please note that registration for physical attendance has closed. You can still register as virtual participants here.
As in the past editions, the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organisation (ICPHSO) International Symposium will also take place in the framework of the International Product Safety Week. This year’s Symposium will be held on 16 and 17 October under the title ‘Bridging the Gap: Linking Policy to Action’. A separate paid registration is required to attend the ICPHSO sessions.
CALENDAR
Monday 14 October 2024
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Greece (until 18/10): in Athens – meets with Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the President of the Hellenic Republic; meets with Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of
Greece.
Wednesday 16 October 2024
Ms Stella Kyriakides delivers a keynote speech via videoconference at the European Patients Forum High-Level Policy Event, ‘Towards a patient-centred EU mandate: Health policy with and for patients’; delivers pre-recorded remarks at the ‘Ukraine-EU Integration: Healthcare’ conference organised by the Ukrainian Ministry of Health.
Friday 18 October 2024
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Kozani, Greece: delivers a keynote speech at the ‘Science and Research Day’ event organised by the University of West Macedonia.
Saturday 19 October 2024
Ms Stella Kyriakides in Limassol, Cyprus: delivers a speech on breast cancer at the Awareness Raising Symposium.
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Source: Cyprus News Agency