A competition has been launched in Europe to establish a hub for researching antisemitism issues and ways to develop Jewish life. The European Commission will collect applications from
institutions in the summer and select the best application in the fall of 2025. A representative of the Centre for European Democracy Studies in Brussels announced this on May 23.
Expected outcomes:
Projects should:
- Establish a European network of researchers focused on antisemitism and Jewish life, offering training and career support.
- Identify research gaps, especially in underrepresented regions.
- Develop shared methodological standards for high-quality research.
- Create a Europe-wide strategy and action plan to build a lasting research institution.
- Strengthen links between research and policymaking to support Jewish communities.
Background and scope:
The EU's first strategy (2021–2030) on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life highlights growing antisemitism and commits to preserving European values of diversity and democracy. One pillar of the strategy focuses on education and research. In 2022, a report recommended creating a research hub in this field.
Goals and structure:
The aim is to build a sustainable, interdisciplinary hub linking researchers across Europe.
It should:
- Support early-career researchers and attract talent through internships, summer schools, and research grants.
- Encourage long-term growth via academic posts, annual prizes, and collaboration with foundations.
- Serve as a bridge between research and policy, organizing conferences and publishing accessible reports.
Sustainability and impact:
The hub should secure long-term funding (regional, national, or EU), ideally evolving into a permanent research infrastructure. It must be integrated into existing institutions and supported by professional staff, with a strong online presence.
Additional recommendations:
- Promote international cooperation.
- Use resources like the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure (EHRI).
- Run for a minimum of 36 months.