EU slammed for failing to tackle anti-Muslim hatred

BRUSSELS, Belgium (MNTV) – The European Union is failing to protect its Muslim population from rising levels of hatred and discrimination, according to Marion Lalisse, the European Commission’s coordinator for combating anti-Muslim hatred.

In an exclusive interview with Hyphen, a media platform covering Muslim life in the UK and Europe, Lalisse described the EU’s response as politically weak, structurally flawed, and lacking urgency.

Lalisse, appointed in 2023, said EU institutions still have not agreed on a definition of anti-Muslim racism — a failure she called “ongoing” and deeply damaging. “It’s important to name anti-Muslim hatred,” she said, stressing that the phenomenon intersects with gender and systemic racism, and is increasingly normalised across the continent.

Despite being the EU’s senior official on Islamophobia, Lalisse described her work as “draining” and lacking adequate political support. “It’s not always a friendly relationship,” she said of her dealings with member states. “It’s all a question of political will.”

Muslims are the EU’s second-largest religious group, yet nearly half report experiencing discrimination in daily life. Lalisse acknowledged that while the EU has launched general anti-racism strategies, there’s still no dedicated plan targeting anti-Muslim racism. Civil society leaders argue this leaves the bloc without clear goals or accountability measures.

Criticism of the EU’s record on Islamophobia has grown as far-right political forces surge across Europe. Many of the bloc’s counter-terrorism and migration policies are viewed as disproportionately targeting Muslims. “Even people with good will can contribute to racism,” Lalisse warned, calling for stronger human rights oversight within policymaking.

She also highlighted the growing harassment faced by Muslim advocates, including herself. “There is a witch hunt, often by far-right networks, against anyone defending Muslim rights,” she said. This, she warned, leads to defunding and silencing of key voices.

Created in 2015, the coordinator role was a response to spiking anti-Muslim violence following terror attacks and mass migration. But campaigners like Julie Pascoët from the European Network Against Racism say EU promises haven’t translated into real change. “We were listened to, but no tangible action followed,” she said.

Academics and rights groups say Islamophobia is becoming “institutionalised” in many member states. Enes Bayraklı, co-author of the European Islamophobia Report, cited widespread headscarf and mosque bans, while accusing the EU of being in denial.

A 2024 report by the EU’s own Fundamental Rights Agency revealed that 47% of Muslims report discrimination — up from 39% in 2016. Yet, EU institutions were criticised for failing to consult a broad cross-section of the Muslim community while gathering this data.

Lalisse is now working with the EU’s anti-racism and antisemitism coordinators on a new strategy due in 2026. She is calling for better data collection, stronger international cooperation, and the adoption of the term “anti-Muslim racism.”

Despite criticism of her limited powers and visibility, Lalisse remains defiant. “I’m not here to be famous,” she said. “I’m here to deliver.”