Based in Brussels, the European Jewish Congress is the representative umbrella organisation of national Jewish communities. It federates democratically elected national Jewish community organisations in over 40 European countries uniting 2.5 million Jews across the continent. The EJC is the only democratically elected body representing on the political level the interests and concerns of European Jewish communities. The EJC is a regional affiliate of the World Jewish Congress. The EJC was created in 1986 to give a unified voice to Jewish communities around Europe, representing their common interests and concerns, but at the same time allowing smaller Jewish communities a wider platform to express their specific needs. The main role of the EJC is to protect Jewish life in Europe and to combat antisemitism, racism and all forms of discrimination. The EJC is also committed to enhancing interreligious dialogue and contributing to a democratic European society based on democracy and peace.