Rules of procedure of the Working Group against Antisemitism

The Working Group Against Antisemitism (WGAS) is established to unite Members of the European Parliament at a cross-party level to improve the European Union’s efforts to combat antisemitism in all its contemporary manifestations.

Article II:
Composition

The Working Group comprises a Board chaired by a Bureau consisting of four (or five) Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including the WGAS Chair and Vice-Chairs (one per political group), an Advisory Board and a Secretariat.

Article III:
Objectives

1. WGAS collaborates with all EU institutions, other European Parliament (EP) Intergroups and working groups, national parliaments, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to raise awareness among decision-makers about the challenges faced by Jewish communities across Europe and to take proactive measures to protect those who are affected by the phenomena of antisemitism.
2. WGAS advocates for the implementation of the European Commission Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life adopted in 2021, the development of national strategies, and the appointment of national coordinators by all EU member states. It also promotes the adoption, reinforcement and enforcement of legislation to prevent unpunished antisemitic behaviour.
3. WGAS issues statements on serious antisemitic incidents or following reports issued on the topic. It also puts questions to the European Commission regarding measures to address antisemitism.

Article IV:
Secretariat and Advisory Board

1. The European Jewish Congress (EJC), the umbrella organisation federating and representing Jewish communities in the European Union and beyond, serves as the Secretariat of WGAS. The Advisory Board comprises of EJC and B’nai B’rith International.
2. After consultations, the Advisory Board nominates MEPs as members of the Board and proposes among them a Chair and Vice-Chairs based on MEPs’ engagement, visibility and hierarchy within the EP and their respective political groups. The appointment of the Chair and Vice-Chairs requires a simple majority vote by the Board members.
3. The term for the Chair is 2.5 years, with the possibility of renewal to be discussed with the Advisory Board.  In the event of either disengagement or a breach of trust, the Advisory Board is granted the authority to propose the dismissal of the Chair.

Article V:
Meetings, Attendance and Operations

1. The Board convenes quarterly to discuss priorities and the plan of action for the upcoming quarter. Extraordinary meetings may be convened as required by circumstances.
2. Each WGAS Board meeting shall be convened by the Secretariat on behalf of the WGAS Chair with at least two weeks’ notice.
3. The Advisory Board is responsible for (i) suggesting ideas for events and actions, including topics, formats and speakers, and for (ii) implementing WGAS Board proposals.
4. Board members commit to adhering to these rules of procedure and the commitments outlined in Annex 1.
5. Board members commit to attending Board meetings as far as is possible given their diaries, actively participating in at least two WGAS events per year and hosting one event per year.
6. Members of the cabinet of the Secretary-General of the European Parliament or officials from relevant European Commission Directorate Generals may attend WGAS Board meetings as observers.

Article VI:
Membership

New WGAS Board members require approval or refusal by a simple majority vote. Members are free to retract their membership in the WGAS Board at any time.

Article VII:
Expenses

The Advisory Board may cover expenses associated with holding events.

Article VIII:
Reporting

1. The Advisory Board shall keep the WGAS Board informed about the situation on the ground and provide regular reports on antisemitic incidents.
2. The Secretariat shall draw up a report on the work of WGAS each calendar year. The report shall be drawn up by 28 February of the following year and can be presented either in a form of a PDF document or in a video format.
3. All WGAS activities, including statements and events, will be published on its website: https://ep-wgas.eu/ and relayed by the Advisory Board.

Article IX:
Conclusion

These Rules of procedure are subject to amendment as deemed necessary by the WGAS Board and Advisory Board.