Jewish groups

Dutch State Secretary Silvio Erkens says he is open to a ban on slaughtering animals without stunning, a practice currently permitted for religious reasons. His comments have sparked debate in the Netherlands over whether an end to unanesthetised slaughter is near, touching on animal welfare concerns and religious freedom, with reactions expected from Jewish and Muslim communities and farming groups.

The Green Party has voted to adopt a policy that equates Zionism with racism, according to a report in the Guardian. The decision, taken at a party vote, immediately places the party among the few political groups in Europe to formally endorse such a definition. The move is likely to reignite debate over antisemitism, anti-Zionism and free speech within left and green politics, and to draw criticism from Jewish organisations and pro-Israel groups.