EU-Funded Research Network on Antisemitism Launched in Vienna

EU-Funded Research Network on Antisemitism Launched in Vienna EU invests €3.4M in NERON research network on antisemitism and Jewish life. The network was presented in Vienna on 29 June 2026 by Commissioner Magnus Brunner. Topics: News, Politics.

The European Commission has officially launched NERON (Network for European Research on Jewish Life and Antisemitism) — a new research network to study antisemitism and support Jewish life across Europe. The project was presented on the evening of 29 June 2026 in Vienna. The launch event featured EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner, Austrian State Secretary Alexander Pröll, and EU Commissioner for Science Ekaterina Zaharieva. The network’s budget is €3.4 million from the Horizon Europe programme. Here is what NERON is, who is involved, and why this project matters now.

What NERON Is and What It Aims to Achieve

NERON stands for Network for European Research on Jewish Life and Antisemitism. The project is funded through Horizon Europe, the EU’s largest research and innovation framework programme. NERON is scheduled to begin operations in October 2026 and will run for an initial period of three years.

Two institutions lead the project: the European University Institute (EUI) in Fiesole, Italy, and the London-based Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR). The network will bring together leading researchers from across Europe to build a robust scientific foundation for combating antisemitism. According to the European Commission, the project is a flagship initiative of the EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life (2021–2030).

Why the EU Is Launching This Network Now

Antisemitism is on the rise in Europe again. As EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated at the Vienna presentation: “We see that antisemitism is growing rapidly again.” According to him, this issue affects not only the Jewish community — it puts the fundamental values of all Europe at risk. Concerning trends in Austrian politics, including the growing influence of far-right parties, make this project all the more timely.

Researchers currently work with “very fragmented knowledge” about how antisemitism develops, explained JPR Director Jonathan Boyd. National studies are often disconnected, use different methodologies, and fail to provide a complete picture. NERON aims to close these gaps and create a unified European knowledge base.

“If Jews in Europe cannot move freely, the fundamental rights of all Europeans are at stake.”

— Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration

According to the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), antisemitic incidents continue to rise in several EU member states. The EU Strategy working group meeting took place in Vienna from 30 June to 1 July 2026, immediately following the NERON launch.

Who Presented the Project in Vienna

The NERON launch in Vienna brought together high-ranking representatives from the European Commission and the Austrian government. The grant agreement was signed on the same day.

Key figures at the presentation:

• Magnus Brunner — EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Austrian national, ÖVP member
• Ekaterina Zaharieva — EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation
• Alexander Pröll — Austrian State Secretary
• Katharina von Schnurbein — European Commission Coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life
• Professor Erik Jones — Director of the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies (EUI)
• Jonathan Boyd — Executive Director of the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR)

State Secretary Alexander Pröll emphasised: “There is no place for antisemitism in Austria. Anyone who attacks Jewish life attacks the fundamental values of the republic.”

How NERON Will Work: Six Key Pillars

The project is built on six core pillars, each addressing a crucial aspect of antisemitism research and counteraction:

1. Mapping the research landscape — upgrading the European Jewish Research Archive (EJRA), collecting data on existing studies and methodologies
2. Building a pan-European network — organising workshops, seminars, and pilot programmes to connect researchers, policymakers, and Jewish communities
3. Summer Academy and internships — training a new generation of researchers in antisemitism and Jewish life studies
4. Bridging science and policy — turning academic findings into practical recommendations for governments and EU institutions
5. Communication and public engagement — launching a dedicated website, newsletter, and visual identity for NERON
6. Interdisciplinary approach — integrating antisemitism research with the study of Jewish life, culture, and history

As Jonathan Boyd noted: “You cannot support Jewish life if you only see it through the lens of threat.” Therefore, NERON will study not only antisemitism but also contemporary Jewish life in all its diversity.

What This Means for Austria

For Austria, the launch of NERON carries special significance. The presentation took place in Vienna, and a key figure in the project — Magnus Brunner — is Austrian. The country has long played an important role in European Holocaust remembrance and the fight against antisemitism.

Although the project is European in scope, its results will directly influence Austrian policies on migration, integration, and anti-discrimination. According to JPR, antisemitism is growing not only in far-right circles but also among youth and in the context of international conflicts. NERON’s evidence-based recommendations will help Austrian authorities develop more targeted measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does NERON stand for? NERON stands for Network for European Research on Jewish Life and Antisemitism.

How much funding has the EU allocated? The European Commission has allocated €3.4 million from the Horizon Europe programme for three years.

When will the network start operating? NERON is scheduled to officially launch in October 2026 and run until 2029.

Who coordinates the network? Two leading institutions: the European University Institute (EUI) in Italy and the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) in London.

Why was the presentation held in Vienna? Vienna is a key European hub for Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism. Additionally, EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner is Austrian.

The Significance of the Project for Europe

NERON is the first pan-European research network of this scale dedicated to antisemitism and Jewish life. The project not only gathers data — it directly influences EU policy. As Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva stated: “To combat antisemitism effectively, we must understand how it evolves and manifests itself.” NERON’s findings will help EU governments develop more precise countermeasures. The launch in Vienna confirms that Austria remains a vital platform for European dialogue on protecting fundamental rights.