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EU holds meeting on combating antisemitism, Islamophobia

Xinhua, October 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

The European Commission here on Thursday hosted the first annual colloquium on fundamental rights, during which EU officials will lead discussions on how to fight antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred in Europe and foster tolerance and respect in society.

The challenge was highlighted by a new Eurobarometer survey on discrimination, published on Thursday, which showed that 50 percent of Europeans believed discrimination based on religion or beliefs was widespread.

Data from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights on antisemitic offences, published on Wednesday, showed that 73 percent of respondents felt that antisemitism online had become worse over the last five years.

Ahead of the event, First Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans stressed that the collective responsibility to live together in tolerance and respect was particularly important at a time when people of various religions and cultures have been arriving in great numbers on EU's shores.

Participants at the two-day colloquium include members of Jewish and Muslim communities, national and local authorities, NGOs, companies and media representatives. They will exchange best practices on the fight against antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred and discuss steps for further action. Endit