Expert meeting “Nazi Memorabilia and their misuse to antisemitic ends“
date: 02/12/2022
Displaying and selling such products may constitute hate speech under national laws implementing the Framework Decision when publicly inciting hatred and violence. However, even if this is not the case, such online availability may perpetuate Nazi ideology and stimulate an antisemitic subcultures. The event focussed on how Nazi Memorabilia are being defined and highlighted case studies and good practices of dealing with the displaying and selling of Nazi Memorabilia.
Vice-President Schinas underlined that
“the glorification of Nazism and neo-Nazism contributes to fuelling contemporary forms of antisemitism, racism, and related intolerances. Nazism, neo-Nazism and antisemitism are incompatible with Europe’s values. They represent a threat not only to Jewish communities and to Jewish life, but to an open and diverse society, to democracy and the European way of life.”
Katharina von Schnurbein, Coordinator on combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish life, highlighted that as part of the EU Strategy,
“the Commission will cooperate with industry and IT companies to prevent the illegal display and sale of Nazi-related symbols, memorabilia and literature.”