Hatred of Moslems in Europe and “islamophobia” in general: the issue was discussed at the conference “Youth and ethnicity, transnational identities and islamophobia”, organized by the European Commission and held in Brussels in recent days. Researchers, politicians and social workers discussed the situation of young Moslem immigrants in various European countries. The meeting forms part of the strategy launched by the European Union in 2002 to combat islamophobia and anti-Semitism. Civil rights organizations are concerned by the fact that, after the events of 11 September in the USA, Moslem communities throughout the world have been subjected to intense scrutiny, with an evident reinforcement of racist organizations and with manifest signs of hostility and stereotyped attitudes that may damage relations between communities and lead to the marginalization of Moslems, especially the young. “How far may continuing links with ethnic roots be the result of a lack of integration and how do young Moslems who were brought up and educated in the EU experience the relation with their origins?”. “The campaign against criminality and terrorism – declared Philippe Busquin, European Commissioner for research must not be transformed into racism. A growing intolerance towards Moslem communities in Europe may be observed, and we must devote ourselves to promoting greater integration. Only through dialogue and toleration can we benefit from the cultural diversity of Europe”.
