Brussels, 13 January 2026
The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) strongly rejects and condemns the allegations contained in the report recently published by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group. The report reflects a pattern of ideologically driven narratives that misrepresent Muslim civil society organisations in Europe. Notably, it repeatedly misidentifies FEMYSO as a “federation” rather than a forum, pointing to a broader lack of factual accuracy and an absence of direct engagement with our organisation.
FEMYSO is a transparent, volunteer-led, and democratically governed civil society organisation that has worked for decades to empower young people, promote civic participation, and uphold fundamental rights across Europe. Our activities, partnerships, and funding are fully disclosed and subject to standard scrutiny and accountability mechanisms. FEMYSO operates in accordance with democratic principles, civic engagement, and social cohesion, and has never been involved in any activity contrary to these values. FEMYSO is fully independent and maintains no political affiliations or ties with any organisation or party.
The ECR report makes no attempt to consult FEMYSO or to substantiate its claims with verifiable evidence. Instead, it relies on a narrow set of sources that have previously contributed to misleading and Islamophobic narratives. Similar allegations in the past have been amplified through disinformation campaigns rather than objective, evidence-based inquiry. As a result, FEMYSO’s work promoting inclusion, transparency, and constructive civic engagement is either omitted or misrepresented.
Reports of this nature are not only inaccurate but also socially harmful. By framing Muslim civil society organisations as inherently suspect, they risk legitimising exclusionary policies, discouraging civic participation, and marginalising underrepresented communities. Such narratives contribute to Islamophobia and discrimination, undermining the pluralism and democratic engagement that European institutions claim to uphold.
FEMYSO remains committed to empowering young people to participate fully in European society and to promoting equality, pluralism, and human rights. We call on European institutions, policymakers, and media actors to exercise due diligence, engage directly with the organisations concerned, and reject fear-based narratives. Attempts to discredit FEMYSO will not deter our work; they only reinforce the importance of defending civic space, inclusion, and social cohesion.
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- FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 20 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.
- FEMYSO responds to false allegations on links to Muslim Brotherhood
- Smear campaign investigation statement
- FEMYSO New Yorker statement: https://femyso.org/femyso-new-yorker-statement/
- Further clarifications on our organisation and its governance can be found on the FAQ page.
- For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org