Amnesty International and civil society groups asked European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to condemn remarks about Muslims and consider formal action, warning a new resolution could constrain anti-racism groups’ access and funding.
A letter dated Nov. 10 asks Metsola to use formal procedures available under Parliament’s rules and meet representatives of the organizations the signatories say could be affected.
The signatories say some lawmakers portrayed Muslims as seeking to enter democratic institutions. They cite calls to close prayer rooms, ban headscarves and halal food, and deport Muslims accused of placing the Quran above the constitution. The letter also says a member of the European Parliament likened the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) to a “Trojan horse.”
The debate took place Oct. 7. Parliament adopted the resolution Oct. 8, with 381 votes in favor, 167 against and 15 abstentions, according to its official record.
The resolution calls for an EU strategy to counter Islamist entryism and the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood network. It says criticism of a political ideology differs from an attack on religion. The text also calls for organizations linked to the Council of European Muslims, including FEMYSO, to be denied access to EU institutions, and for scrutiny of funding awarded to entities suspected of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
The signatories say the resolution could reduce participation, institutional access and funding for FEMYSO, the European Network Against Racism and the Collective against Islamophobia in Europe. They identify these organizations as groups that could be affected by the provisions on access and funding.
The letter also says the European Network Against Racism recently lost European Commission structural funding and cites alleged harassment of FEMYSO at European Youth Events in 2021, 2023 and 2025. The signatories say they are awaiting Metsola’s response.
