The issue of Islamic communities in Europe remains a contentious topic, gaining increasing prominence in elections across many European nations. This has been exacerbated by the political polarizations following the Gaza War and a surge in terror attacks, most notably the stabbing incident in Germany in August 2024, which claimed three lives. This tragic event had a dramatic impact on German politics, prompting the government to expand temporary border surveillance to combat illegal migration and enhance security measures in response to public anger and pressure from a predominantly right-wing opposition.
Sweden, historically known for its welcoming stance towards immigrants, made a groundbreaking announcement offering 350,000 Swedish kronor (approximately $34,000) to each immigrant willing to return to their country of origin and relinquish their residency and citizenship.
These unprecedented measures raise questions about the long-term acceptance of Muslim migration in Europe. Will European countries adopt policies similar to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Muslim ban,” which imposed strict entry requirements on citizens of predominantly Muslim countries? Moreover, who bears responsibility for integrating Muslims into European societies, and why does this process continue to fail, fueling widespread European apprehension?
What drives Europeans to question the peacefulness of Europe’s Muslim communities?
According to a survey by the British research center Chatham House, 10,000 Europeans across ten countries were asked a straightforward question: “Should all immigration from Muslim-majority countries be stopped?” A majority of 55% responded affirmatively, with “yes” prevailing in all ten nations surveyed. Apart from Great Britain and Spain, the majority was absolute in every country, including 53% in Germany. The strongest opposition to Muslim immigration was recorded in Poland (71%), Austria (65%), Hungary (64%), Belgium (64%), and France (61%). These figures have likely surged further following recent events.
Numerous studies suggest that the integration of Muslims into Western societies remains a contentious issue, not solely because of terrorist acts. While most Europeans view the majority of Muslims as peaceful, the problem often revolves around rejecting violence and intolerance. Some analyses argue that nonviolence, while necessary, is insufficient for peaceful coexistence in a pluralistic society.
Surveys reveal that many Muslims oppose the pluralistic democratic values of the West and view violence as justifiable in “defending Islam.” Prejudices against Jews, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women are reportedly more prevalent among Muslims than among other population groups, including other migrant communities. These attitudes intensify with greater religiosity among respondents.
Alarmingly, public condemnations of violence and extremism in the name of Islam are rare from the “silent majority” of Muslims. Efforts by some Islamic associations to mobilize Muslims for nationwide demonstrations against violence and terrorism, such as the 2017 rally in Cologne, were disappointing, attracting only a few hundred participants.
Prominent Islamic organizations, often self-proclaimed representatives of all Muslims, typically rally only when they perceive Islam or “religious sentiments” to be insulted. For instance, protests against caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in Danish newspapers drew significant outrage, while terrorist organizations invoking the Prophet’s name and promoting the establishment of a caliphate in Europe sparked little reaction.
The Influence of Political Islam and European Fears
The dominance of political Islam within European Islamic institutions raises skepticism. Groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and _Hizb ut-Tahrir, often seen as nonviolent, espouse ideologies closely aligned with jihadist principles.
Austrian political scientist Nina Scholz argues that political Islam has become mainstream within Islamic discourse over the past 45 years. The ideologies of religious extremism, intolerance, and the division of people into Muslims and “infidels” are pervasive in Muslim communities, including those in Europe. Scholz warns that mass migration from countries with such ideologies will inevitably alter Europe’s cultural climate, undermining peaceful coexistence in democratic societies.
Far-right conspiracy theories, such as the “Great Replacement,” also fuel fears of Muslim dominance in Europe. These theories argue that higher birth rates among Muslim families, combined with ongoing migration, could lead to Muslims becoming the majority population in European countries. Studies by researchers Pierre and Alexandra Roustan predict that Muslims could form a majority in Sweden, France, and Greece within 100 years under certain scenarios, with similar demographic shifts expected elsewhere by 2200.
Who Is Responsible for the Failure of Muslim Integration?
Experts suggest that European leaders and policymakers in Brussels fail to address rising racism and Islamophobia adequately. By accommodating far-right anti-immigrant rhetoric, they exacerbate the problem. For instance, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s response to the August 2024 knife attack included tightening deportation procedures, border checks, and weapon regulations—measures that often stigmatize all migrants and refugees, particularly Muslims.
Critics highlight the lack of proportional responses to far-right attacks or police violence against minorities, which often go unnoticed or are downplayed. The reluctance to acknowledge Islam as part of European heritage further delays integration.
Conversely, the absence of a unified, credible representative body for Muslims complicates integration efforts. Most Islamic organizations face scrutiny over political affiliations, often seen as promoting foreign interests rather than European values. Foreign-trained imams dominate mosques, marginalizing European-trained clerics and reformist voices, whom they often label as traitors.
Conclusions
- The belief that Muslims form a monolithic group opposing Western values is false. Generational and cultural differences among European Muslims challenge this stereotype.
- The portrayal of Muslims as an existential threat mirrors past prejudices against Jews, fostering discrimination and serving as a convenient scapegoat for broader societal challenges.
- Including Islamic history and values in European curricula could foster greater understanding, countering misinformation propagated by biased media and social platforms.
The challenges surrounding Muslim integration in Europe remain multifaceted, influenced by political, cultural, and social dynamics. Addressing these issues requires nuanced policies that bridge divides rather than deepen them.
