EU Refuses to Disclose Funding Sources for Israel Trip Despite Transparency Claims

Brussels officials are under scrutiny for a lack of transparency regarding potential Israeli funding of official EU travel, according to information obtained through freedom of information requests.

Katharina von Schnurbein, the European Union’s coordinator for combating anti-Semitism, visited Israel in May for meetings that included discussions with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. However, the European Commission has declined to disclose who funded the trip, citing data protection rules in response to a freedom of information request.

The Commission’s refusal comes despite recent claims by its spokesperson that it is among the “most transparent public institutions” globally. Critics argue that basic transparency would require disclosure about who finances activities undertaken by EU officials, particularly when they involve foreign governments.

In its response to the information request, the Commission suggested von Schnurbein requires protection from scrutiny, stating that “the person, even though she is not a high-level official and does not form part of the senior management of the EU, has already been the subject of journalistic articles attacking not only her professional capacities, but also her personal character.” The response did not provide examples of such articles.

This characterization has drawn criticism as potentially misleading. While von Schnurbein may not hold the highest rank in Brussels’ hierarchy, she serves as an official EU representative authorized to speak on the bloc’s behalf. She works within the European Commission’s central administration and reports directly to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The secrecy has raised questions about von Schnurbein’s relationship with Israel and its lobbying networks. Previous revelations about her May trip have already proven controversial. The news site EUObserver published an internal document revealing that during her visit, von Schnurbein made contentious claims about colleagues who had supported Palestinians, including suggesting that a bake sale organized by Brussels officials to raise funds for a Red Cross Gaza appeal risked causing “ambient anti-Semitism.”

These revelations prompted calls from human rights activists and some lawmakers for von Schnurbein’s removal from her position.

Under her job contract, von Schnurbein’s responsibilities focus on combating anti-Semitism within Europe, with no explicit mandate regarding Israel or other foreign countries. EU rules require officials to act solely in the Union’s interest and obtain permission before accepting gifts, including trips funded by foreign governments or advocacy groups.

This is not the first instance of the Commission withholding information about von Schnurbein’s office. A separate freedom of information request seeking details about staffing levels was also rejected on data protection grounds. However, sources indicate that von Schnurbein leads a team of six staff members.

This staffing level contrasts sharply with resources allocated to Marion Lalisse, the EU’s coordinator against anti-Muslim hatred, who reportedly works without dedicated staff support. Critics point to this disparity as evidence of imbalanced priorities within the EU’s anti-discrimination efforts.

Critics argue that instead of focusing exclusively on her mandate to protect European Jews from persecution, von Schnurbein has used her position to criticize those who question Israeli policies. Meanwhile, they contend that efforts to combat other forms of discrimination, including Islamophobia and racism, receive less institutional support despite the EU’s public commitments to equality and human rights.

The European Commission has not responded to requests for additional comment on the funding question or staffing disparities within its anti-discrimination initiatives.