The European Commission has signed the official grant agreement for the project NERON (Network for European Research on Jewish Life and Antisemitism), a new Horizon Europe project that will build a European research hub to address contemporary antisemitism and foster Jewish life.
The NERON project is a flagship initiative of the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life (2021–2030). The Strategy commits the European Commission to supporting research on antisemitism and contemporary Jewish life and creating a European research hub in this field.
One of the key pillars of NERON involves mapping and analyzing the research landscape by upgrading the European Jewish Research Archive.
Another involves building a pan-European network through workshops, seminars, and pilot programs, such as a Summer Academy and internships, to bring together researchers, policymakers, and Jewish communities for co-creation and shared learning.
NERON will also be focused on promoting dissemination and public engagement by launching a dedicated website, newsletter, and visual identity.
Research on all aspects of antisemitism and Jewish life in Europe will complement and further enrich Holocaust research, while benefiting from stronger coordination and improved integration across disciplines, institutions, and countries.
Modern scientific foundation essential to combat antisemitism
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: “To effectively combat antisemitism, we need a modern, shared scientific foundation."
"Right now, European research in this field is fragmented. By investing €3.4 million through Horizon Europe, we are bridging these gaps and equipping researchers with advanced data tools and digital methodologies to uncover real-world truths.”
“The launch of NERON marks another important milestone in delivering the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life," said Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration.
"To combat antisemitism effectively, we must understand how it evolves and manifests itself. By investing in excellent research and fostering closer cooperation between academics, policymakers and Jewish communities, we are strengthening our ability to identify emerging trends, respond to new forms of antisemitism, and develop policies that make a real difference—both at the European and national levels. We are committed to ensuring that Jewish life can flourish across Europe.”