European Jewish Congress President Dr Ariel Muzicant was invited to the Munich Security Conference 2025, the world’s leading forum for debating the most pressing challenges to international security. During the event, he engaged in numerous discussions with high-level decision-makers and stakeholders from across the globe.
Dr Muzicant met with European Council President António Costa to address the alarming rise of antisemitism and radicalisation across the continent, and the need to strengthen EU Member States’ strategies to combat Jewish hatred while fostering Jewish life and culture. They emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between EU institutions, EU member states, and Jewish communities to tackle the present challenges. He highlighted the threat posed by far-right and far-left extremism, as well as the dangers stemming from Iran and its proxies, to European democracies.
In his meeting with MEP Manfred Weber, President of the European People’s Party, the largest political group in the European Parliament, he conveyed the concerns of European Jewish communities in the current climate and the challenges facing Jewish citizens across the continent. They discussed the responsibility of MEPs, particularly those from the EPP, in securing Jewish life and culture and underscored the European Parliament’s crucial role in strengthening democracy in Europe amid the concerning rise of political extremes.
Dr Muzicant also met with European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, under whose portfolio falls the fight against antisemitism. They discussed the importance of the EU in safeguarding Jewish life, the need for better implementation of the EU strategy against antisemitism and the national strategies of Member States, as well as the relevance of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. Strengthening cooperation between the EU and the EJC was also a key point of discussion as well as the need to reinforce the office of the European Commission Coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.
During his meeting with Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu, Dr Muzicant expressed his appreciation for Romania’s role in combating antisemitism, fostering Jewish life, and supporting Israel in its fight against the terrorist organisation Hamas. They also discussed the troubling rise of political extremism in Europe, including in Romania, and the importance of reinforcing European and democratic values in these challenging times.
He also met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to discuss the political situation in Europe and the need to strengthen and solidify relations between the Israeli government and Jewish communities in Europe. They explored ways to enhance cooperation on issues of security, cultural exchange, and community resilience, ensuring that Jewish life in Europe remains vibrant and well-protected amid growing challenges.
In addition, he held discussions with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi, French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad, former Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor, former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, and former Vice-President of the European Parliament Othmar Karas.
Dr Muzicant also met with leaders of Jewish organisations, including World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder, AJC CEO Ted Deutch, Conference of European Rabbis President Pinchas Goldschmidt, and Munich Jewish Community President Charlotte Knobloch, among others.
Additionally, he met with families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, expressing his support for their efforts to secure the immediate release of their loved ones from the grip of the terrorist organisation Hamas.
