Information Sheet 1

Quotations taken from: the Draft Resolution and Report on Fundamentalism and the Challenge to the European Legal Order presently under consideration by the European Parliament

(Refs: 16th July 1996 B4-0705/96, 7th August A4-0000/97 DOC_EN\PR\331\331356 PE 223.423)

Western media

"The western media often present violent Islamic fundamentalism as Islam. It is the eccentric and extreme that attract their attention. This negative portrayal has a major influence on the general image of Muslims in Europe. Many suffer as a result. Some Muslims, especially younger ones, also start to believe that they too must be fundamentalists if they want to be good Muslims. With their reports disseminated worldwide by satellite, the western media have this radicalizing effect even in the countries where Islam has its roots. The image thus creates its own social reality. The negative image also results in Muslims feeling even less accepted as Europeans and even more excluded." (p.13)

Attitude of European authorities towards the Muslim community

"Each Member State of the European Union has its own rules on the relationship between government and religion, a relationship which has largely been determined by historical developments. The presence of large numbers of Muslims raised the question of how Islam as a religion was to be integrated with the status quo. An appropriate solution has yet to be found. Governments are reluctant to grant Islam equal status with other religious traditions. One argument often put forward to explain such reluctance is that it is impossible for government to identify representative discussion partners among the Muslim community. It is suggested that Muslims should first organize themselves in representative fora before government can do business with them. The Muslim community in Europe as such does not on the whole have central organizations, because of the considerable diversity of movements and nationalities. But in many cases Christianity is equally diverse, if not more so, yet governments succeed in establishing contact with all its various churches. Governments often unjustifiably take refuge behind the argument that no representative discussion partner is available. The result in many Member States is that Islam ranks below other religions. This strengthens the feeling among Muslims of not being accepted and may lead to radicalization against European society." (p.13)

Equal scope for Islam in the public domain

"In many Member States, the position of Islam in the public domain is not equal to that of other religions. It is very important that Islam should enjoy equal status and that there should be sufficient scope for Muslims to comply with their religious obligations. Government ought also to adopt a more positive attitude towards public expressions of Islam, such as the building of mosques. Conversely, if government dogmatically pursues a secular policy and opposes any reference to or expression of religion in the social and political spheres, this will impede integration and hamper harmonious relations. A more positive attitude towards Muslim citizens on the part of the authorities is urgently called for. More structured contacts between the authorities and Islamic organizations could be helpful." (p.14)

Educating media workers

"It is always a sensitive issue when a democratic political body voices concern about problems in the media, but it would make a significant difference if the media became aware of the social impact of their reporting on Islam and Muslims. Seminars and courses in journalism could be used to make journalists and editors more familiar with the subject (and indeed with religion in general!). More accurate information should also be provided on what Islam and fundamentalism actually are and what proportions their violent manifestations assume. This would encourage more objective reporting, free from stereotypes. This goal can also be pursued by subsidizing the production of high-quality programmes. In this respect the European Union might pursue a policy comparable to its policy on the fight against racism." (p.14)

Credible foreign policy to be pursued by the Member States and the EU

"In the eyes of many Muslims in Europe, Western governments often pursue a policy of double standards when it comes to human rights and democracy. The role of the West in the Middle East conflict, for example, has given rise to much ill-feeling, and has up to a point fuelled Islamic fundamentalism. The war in Bosnia, where Muslims were ethnically cleansed by "Christians", also seriously undermined the EU's credibility."

"Economic and strategic interests often weigh more heavily in policy than human rights. Authoritarian regimes which are regarded as "allies", such as Saudi Arabia, do not come under fire, no matter how offensive their states may be in terms of democracy, the rule of law and human rights. European governments will gain credibility among Muslims when they take these principles as seriously in their deeds as in their words." (p.15)

Conclusion

In conclusion it may be said that the phenomenon of violent religious fundamentalism is not of particularly major proportions in Europe. In so far as it exists, it is mainly imported from the Islamic world. However, it is advisable for intelligence services and the police to monitor the activities of the relevant groups in Europe closely. At present, Islamic fundamentalists do not have much of a following among Muslims in Europe, but they are trying to gain greater influence. To prevent European Muslims from being manipulated by them it is desirable mainly to pursue a preventative policy designed to secure acceptance and integration of Muslims in European society." (pp.15-16)

Comment:

The acceptance and integration of Muslims in European society will only succeed if Muslims in Europe are clearly and unequivocally granted equal opportunities, equal rights and protection from religious discrimination by the rule of law. As long as the rule of law does not recognise, guarantee and protect these basic rights, it is itself discriminating both directly and indirectly against Muslims.