Anti-Semitic graffiti in France
Anti-Semitic graffiti in FranceReuters

A senior European Union official on Thursday warned of rising anti-Semitism in Europe as attacks and threats against Jews continue in EU member countries, reports The Associated Press (AP).

European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said that "in the last couple of years you've seen this age-old monster come up again in Europe."

Speaking before a conference on religious intolerance, he added, "This is unacceptable. I thought we knew better. I wouldn't have thought it would be possible ... but it's happening again."

Timmermans said that "it's a vital question for the future of Europe that our Jewish community feels at ease and completely at home."

The comments come amid a surge in anti-Semitic incidents around Europe.

The European Jewish Congress recently released a damning report revealing a spike in anti-Semitism throughout Europe, with the UK leading the way for the most anti-Semitic countries. 

British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a proposal to combat the spread of Islamic extremism in England, which includes steps to counter the growth of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and rhetoric.