Inconsistent data collection across EU states undermines efforts to combat antisemitism, says rights watchdog, calling for better police training and reporting.
VIENNA: The European Union’s rights watchdog warns that inconsistent data collection is hampering the fight against antisemitism across the bloc.
The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) said major gaps in recording incidents prevent meaningful comparisons between member states.
“The lack of reliable and comparable data continues to undermine efforts to counter antisemitism,” the agency stated in a new report.
It called for guidelines and training to help police identify antisemitic motives and for increased cooperation with civil society to reduce underreporting.
FRA director Sirpa Rautio said concerted efforts require robust data to capture the full scale of the problem.
“Only then we can hold offenders to account, get justice for victims and foster a Europe where Jews can live their lives freely and openly,” Rautio added.
The report covers all 27 EU member states and the candidate countries Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia.
In 2022, 15 EU members signed a declaration to develop a common methodology for quantifying antisemitic incidents.
The FRA’s last report in 2024 warned of a “rising tide of antisemitism” eroding previous progress.
A 2023 online survey found 96% of European Jews said they had encountered antisemitism in the previous year.
