EU: EPP resolution part of broader attack on Muslim rights CSOs, says anti racism network

The European Network against Racism (ENAR) has raised concerns over a resolution adopted by the European People’s Party (EPP) at its political assembly in Vienna during June 2026. ENAR states that the resolution entitled “Interference of Political Islam in European democratic processes” legitimises suspicion against Muslim communities and the organisations that defend their rights.

ENAR argues that, while the resolution claims to protect democracy, in effect it normalises the idea that civil society organisations (CSOs) defending the rights of Muslim communities and engaged in advocacy are inherently risky or “infiltrators”, leading to increased scrutiny of Muslim-led organisations and organisations working to combat Islamophobia. Overall, it contributes to a broader climate of suspicion towards Muslim civil society.

The resolution calls for a mapping of “Islamist organisations networks” and improving due-diligence mechanisms, with particular attention to “undesirable foreign funding”, that come “from third countries promoting the same illiberal agenda”. Furthermore, it calls on the EU to end its support for “radicalised movements” and for the European Commission to terminate existing partnerships with organisations linked to “Islamist movements,” citing the Muslim Brotherhood as an example.

ENAR has argued that the term “Islamism” is often used by states to subject politically active organisations working on Islamophobia and/or led by Muslims to heightened scrutiny and criminalisation. For instance, its member Forum of European Muslim Youth and Students Organisations (FEMYSO) has been subject to attacks from MEPs who alleging that it represents “Islamist” interests.

It added that the resolution forms part of a broader architecture of attacks on organisations working on anti-Muslim racism, speaking out against Islamophobia or challenging the normalisation of institutional racism.

The organisation reports facing repeated exclusion from institutional consultations, withdrawal of invitations to participate in official events, public smear campaigns, and pressures that have contributed to the dissolution of some member organisations.