Islamophobic rhetoric in the European Parliament: End FGM EU joins over 100 organisations in speaking out
In an open letter addressed to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, we raise serious concerns over discriminatory statements made by several MEPs during a parliamentary debate on “Islamist entryism” on 7 October 2026, as well as the growing pressure on civil society organisations defending fundamental rights across Europe.
The letter, dated 10 November, denounces the discriminatory language used by several MEPs and the targeting of civil society organisations, including the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) and the European Network Against Racism (ENAR).
We also reiterate our condemnation of the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on 8 October, which threatens to further stigmatise Muslim communities and undermine the work of organisations defending their rights, as highlighted in a joint statement we co-signed.
Islamophobia is a serious threat to fundamental rights in Europe, and we have seen how increasingly normalised discriminatory rhetoric contributes to a climate of fear and hostility towards entire communities. This is not the first time we have raised the alarm. Earlier this year, we joined ILGA-Europe and over 60 organisations in calling out discriminatory rhetoric against migrants within the European Parliament.
These concerns also directly relate to our work to end female genital mutilation. In September 2025, we led a joint statement condemning the weaponisation of women's rights during a European Parliament debate on migration. We have repeatedly warned against the instrumentalisation of FGM and gender-based violence to fuel racist, Islamophobic and anti-migrant narratives. Choosing to be feminist only when it serves to stigmatise entire communities, fuel your own political agenda and spread fear will never be acceptable.
At a time when civil society organisations are facing increasing political and financial pressure, their ability to advocate for fundamental rights and hold institutions accountable must be protected, not undermined. Alongside the other signatories, we call on the European Parliament to address discriminatory rhetoric within its institutions and ensure that civil society organisations can participate freely in European democratic life.
