As to the contribution that Islam can give to Europe, the Muslim organisations say they want to work to "overcome the prejudices and the negative reputation that come between Islam and the West, by building ties of reconciliation and bridges of fruitful relationships between different civilisations". Contacted by SIR, the sociologist Stefano Allievi, an expert and an author of books on Islam in Europe, receives the news with caution and says that the Charter "may help steer the Muslims of Europe towards the problems of the Islamic communities in Europe". In this sense, the expert regards the initiative that has been presented in Brussels today as a "positive step" and as a "sign". "About the effects, though he adds , that the Charter may have on other Islamic spheres and at root level, we will have to wait for further developments".
