More than 100 Jewish leaders from across Europe have voted to grant the European Jewish Association a mandate to negotiate a permanent Special Protected Minority Status for Jewish communities with national governments and the European Union. The decision, taken at the association’s annual conference in Brussels, follows growing concern that Jewish life in Europe faces profound and worsening insecurity.

The proposed status would formally recognize Jews as a national minority, acknowledging their long historical presence, distinct culture, and identity. It would also safeguard essential aspects of Jewish religious and cultural life, including circumcision, kosher slaughter, marriage and burial rites, while strengthening legal measures to combat antisemitism in criminal and civil law.

The framework calls for structured cooperation between governments and Jewish representative bodies, improved security coordination, flexible funding for protection and education, and stronger enforcement of existing anti-racism standards. European and American officials at the conference warned that rising antisemitism and attacks on Jewish institutions threaten fundamental European values, underscoring the urgency of coordinated and lasting action.