The Lawfare Project denounces ruling by European Union Court of Justice in lawsuit alleging antisemitism within European External Action Service

The Lawfare Project (LP) denounces a recent ruling made by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on Yom Kippur last Thursday, October 2, in the case involving a former European External Action Service (EEAS) official (Case Number T-371/21). This individual (named Eva to protect her identity) is a Jewish lawyer who was the victim of an ongoing harassment campaign that culminated in her termination from the EEAS after she requested a good-faith investigation into antisemitic discrimination and retaliation within the institution.

In 2014, Eva became aware of a widely spread and baseless rumor within the EEAS that she was engaging in espionage for Israel. At the time, she was at the EEAS’s Israel desk and handling relations with Israel. After raising concerns of antisemitism, Eva was subjected to invasive security investigations, her pay was withheld, and she was ultimately fired. 

“I spoke up about antisemitism and requested a proper investigation,” said Eva. “Instead of protection, I faced reprisals and dismissal. Although today’s ruling is painful—especially given its timing—I remain determined to seek accountability and to ensure that Jewish voices within EU institutions are not silenced.” 

The pattern of targeting, reprisal, and termination flowed directly from her efforts to secure an investigation into antisemitism, reflecting the very bias she sought to expose. Despite these concerns, Thursday’s ruling leaves the termination intact.

“Eva asked her employer to investigate antisemitic discrimination and was met with retaliation that ended her career,” said Benjamin Ryberg, Chief Operating Officer and Counsel at The Lawfare Project. “While we respectfully disagree with today’s outcome, the record is clear: reporting antisemitism should never trigger punishment. Our commitment to defending Jewish civil rights inside European institutions continues.”