EUJS & JUS Recommendations for the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Brussels, Belgium – 15 December 2022

The European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS), together with the Swedish Union of Jewish Students (Judiska Ungdomsförbundet i Sverige – JUS), is publishing 4 recommendations for the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The recommendations touch upon various aspects of civil and political life, which ultimately seek to make Europe a more tolerant, democratic, and inclusive place. 

In the lead-up to the Presidency trio in 2021, France, the Czech Republic and Sweden published their programme for the next 18 months. The three presidencies committed themselves to “[stepping] up action to actively prevent and combat antisemitism in all its forms, building on the EU strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life 2021-2030.” As such, EUJS and JUS have come forward with the following four recommendations to assist the Swedish government in living up to its prior commitments. 

Furthermore, we would like to bring to the attention of the Swedish Presidency, that during its term, the following Jewish Holidays will be observed: Purim from March 6-7, Pesach from April 5-13, and Shavuot from May 25-27. Judaism is one of the only religions that during its high holidays prohibits work, the use of electricity and any form of active participation in civil and social life.

To accompany the recommendations, EUJS and JUS would both like to extend a hand for future cooperation and consultation between our organisations and the Swedish Presidency. It is essential for Jewish organisations – and especially those representing young people – to take part in the decision-making process about issues that affect them and to provide insights into issues of greater societal concern. 

“We look forward to a fruitful six months of the Swedish Presidency!

– EUJS President Avital Grinberg & JUS President Hanna Nir