30 years of FEMYSO: Empowering Young Muslims, Shaping Europe

As the Forum of Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) celebrates its 30th anniversary, we look back on three decades of bringing young European Muslims together, empowering them to become active contributors to their communities and working for a diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.

Thirty years of creating spaces for young people to meet, connect, and learn from one another. Thirty years of empowering generations of Muslim youth and students to develop their skills, raise their voices and act. Thirty years of representing the perspectives of young European Muslims and amplifying their voices in shaping the future of Europe. Thirty years of building partnerships with organisations, youth networks, and European institutions, fostering dialogue, cooperation and meaningful participation.

From its beginnings in 1996, FEMYSO has grown into a strong network of over 30 Muslim youth and student organisations across 21 European countries. Over these three decades, our Member Organisations have been at the heart of a network that connects young people, strengthens youth leadership, advocates for human rights, and creates space for Muslim youth to contribute across Europe.

For 30 years, generations of volunteers, leaders, Member Organisations and partners have given their time, energy and ideas to FEMYSO, helping to shape the organisation we are today. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed and joined us in this journey.

Thirty years on, the need for a strong and united voice for Muslim youth and students remains as important as ever. As Europe and its young people navigate a changing social, economic and political landscape, FEMYSO remains committed to empowering Muslim youth and students, strengthening its Member Organisations and supporting young European Muslims to help shape the societies they are an integral part of.

In doing so, FEMYSO seeks to contribute to a Europe where young people can thrive, while addressing issues that affect Muslim communities including Islamophobia and discrimination.

In 2026-2027, to mark this anniversary, FEMYSO will be organising activities over the next 12 months to recognise past successes, and plan for future contributions for a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe for all.

FEMYSO Welcomes European Parliament Clarification Refuting Exclusion Claims 

Brussels, 24 August 2026 

Following recent claims regarding the exclusion of the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) from European Parliament activities, the European Parliament has formally clarified in an official response to FEMYSO that no discriminatory decision has been taken against the organisation, refuting the false allegations. 

FEMYSO takes note of this clarification and of the European Parliament’s reaffirmation that it will continue to work towards a European Union founded on the core values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. 

At a time when certain actors seek to divide and discriminate against Muslim youth in Europe, these principles remain particularly important. European institutions have a responsibility to ensure that young people from all backgrounds can participate meaningfully in European civic and democratic life. Muslim youth are an integral part of Europe’s diverse society, and their voices and participation must continue to be recognised and included. 

Throughout this situation, we have witnessed a strong sense of solidarity from fellow civil society organisations, Members of the European Parliament and human rights experts. FEMYSO deeply appreciates the support and unity demonstrated by our partners and allies. This response has shown the importance of standing together in defence of inclusion, equality, and the meaningful participation of all young people in European civic spaces. 

Our engagement with the European Parliament’s youth initiatives dates back many years, with FEMYSO having participated in every edition of the European Youth Event since 2016. This reflects our dedication to meaningful youth participation, democratic engagement and contributing to a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe. 

FEMYSO remains committed to constructive engagement with European institutions, civil society organisations and young people across Europe. We will continue to represent and empower Muslim youth as active contributors and changemakers, working with our partners towards a diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe. 

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NOTES: 

  1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network of 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries. It is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe. 
  1. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org.