Dr. h.c. Katharina von Schnurbein is the European Commission Coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, appointed in December 2015. Her mandate involves extensive liaison with Jewish communities, Member States, EU institutions, and international organizations, along with policy development and Holocaust remembrance. Her career at the European Commission began in 2002, including roles as press officer and spokesperson. Prior to her current position, she served as an advisor to EC President José Manuel Barroso, focusing on dialogue with religious and civil society organizations. Academically, she holds Master's degrees from Oxford and Bonn and conducted research on antisemitism at the European University Institute. She has received numerous awards for her work, including an Order of Merit from Romania and an Honorary Doctorate from Ben Gurion University.
Biography of Dr. h.c. Katharina von Schnurbein
Early Career (2002 onwards): Katharina von Schnurbein began her work for the European Commission in 2002 as a press officer for the EU Delegation in Prague.
EU Enlargement Role (2004 onwards): Following EU enlargement in 2004, she transitioned to Brussels, serving as a spokesperson for Employment, social affairs, and equal opportunities for Czech EU Commissioner Vladimir Špidla.
Advisory Role to EC President (Five years prior to 2015): She spent five years as part of the advisory team to European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, where she was responsible for dialogue with churches, religions, non-confessional organizations, civil society organizations, and think tanks.
Current Appointment (December 2015): She was appointed the first European Commission Coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, a role she has held since.
Key Responsibilities: Her mandate includes close liaison with Jewish communities, Member States, EU institutions, and international organizations, as well as proposing and implementing policies to address antisemitism, foster Jewish life, and ensure Holocaust remembrance.
Educational Background:
Undergraduate studies in Political Science and Slavonic Studies at Charles University in Prague and the University of Bonn.
Master of Slavonic Studies from Oxford University (1997).
Master of European Studies from the Center for European Integration Studies in Bonn (1999).
Research Fellowship (2017/18): She spent the academic year 2017/18 as an EU-Fellow at the European University Institute in Florence, researching measures to combat antisemitism across Europe.
Recognitions and Awards:
Received several awards from European and American Jewish organizations for her work.
Awarded the Order of Merit at the level of Commander by the President of Romania (2023).
Received an Honorary Doctorate from Ben Gurion University of the Negev (2024).
Personal Life: She is married and has four children.
Languages: She is proficient in German, English, French, Dutch, and Czech.