The Agency published two major reports on antisemitism in the EU.
The main report, "Manifestations of Antisemitism in the EU 2002 - 2003" details manifestations of antisemitism in the EU over a two-year period from 2002-2003 using data available mainly by October 2003 and proposes policies to counter it.
The second report, "Perceptions of Antisemitism in the European Union" (48 pages) provides snapshot interviews with members of the Jewish community.
Manifestations of Antisemitism in the EU 2002 - 2003 The main report shows that there has been an increase in antisemitic incidents in five EU countries, (Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK). These incidents ranged from hate mail to arson. In some other countries there has been little evidence of increase in antisemitism. Although it is not easy to generalise, the largest group of the perpetrators of antisemitic activities appears to be young, disaffected white Europeans.A further source of antisemitism in some countries was young Muslims of North African or Asian extraction. Traditionally antisemitic groups on the extreme right played a part in stirring opinion.
The report also shows that there is a tremendous variety between Member States in their practices on the monitoring and collection of data on antisemitic incidents. In some EU countries there are relatively well-established official or semi-official monitoring structures, which produce year-by-year reasonably reliable statistics on antisemitic incidents and others not at all.
This is the largest report ever done on antisemitism in Europe and is based on data collected by the Agency's European information network, RAXEN. Data was collected according to common guidelines set down by the Agency and was validated by an independent academic.
Perceptions of Antisemitism in the European Union
The second report - interviews with the members of the Jewish community - reveals that they perceive a more hostile environment in Europe. Most Jewish people wish to be a recognized equal part of European societies and to live in good relationships with their neighbours.
