Category: Statements

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. 

[END] 

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. 

2. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org. 

For Immediate Release  

Brussels, 21 July 2026

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) expresses its profound concern and condemns the death of Abderrahim Fakir during a police intervention in Bologna, Italy.

Abderrahim died after being restrained by several police officers. Video footage of the incident appears to show him being held face down on the ground while repeatedly crying out that he could not breathe before losing consciousness. The incident has sparked widespread public concern, with protests taking place in Bologna. Italian authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, with prosecutors examining available evidence, including police body-camera footage.

FEMYSO stresses that the ongoing investigation must uncover the full circumstances surrounding Abderrahim’s death, while ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.

This case also comes amid wider concerns raised by Muslim and other racialised communities across Europe regarding racial profiling, discriminatory policing, and disproportionate use of force. Addressing Islamophobia requires confronting both individual acts of hatred and structural discrimination wherever it occurs, including within public institutions.

FEMYSO calls on the Italian authorities to: 

1. Ensure that the ongoing investigation examines all relevant evidence and provides clarity on the circumstances surrounding Abderrahim’s death. 
2. Guarantee that Abderrahim’s family has access to truth, justice, and accountability throughout the process. 
3. Take meaningful steps to address discriminatory policing and excessive use of force. 

FEMYSO stands in solidarity with Abderrahim’s family and all those seeking justice and accountability. His death is a tragic reminder of the urgent need to ensure equal protection, dignity, and justice for all. Accountability is essential not only for his family, but also for maintaining trust between communities and public institutions.

[END] 

Notes 

1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation of 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries, working to empower European Muslim youth and contribute to a more inclusive, cohesive, and just Europe. 
2. For more information or media requests, please contact: media@femyso.org  

Brussels, 13 July 2026  

To the President of the European Parliament, Secretary General and Members of the Bureau,    

We, the undersigned civil society organisations, members of the European Parliament, and the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, express our serious concern regarding public claims that the European Parliament has decided to exclude the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) from its activities, beginning with the European Youth Event (EYE). 

At the time of this open letter, we have not received official confirmation from the European Parliament on such decision. However, the announcement made publicly by Member of the European Parliament Marion Maréchal raises serious concerns about transparency, due process, and the principles of inclusion and participation that European institutions have committed to uphold; going against article 2 and 11 of the Treaty of European Union and EU Civil Society strategy. 

If confirmed, this decision would represent a deeply troubling development. We are not aware of any precedent in which a youth organisation has been excluded from participation in the European Parliament in this manner. The exclusion of a European Muslim youth organisation from a flagship youth participation initiative would risk further marginalising an already underrepresented community, having a chilling effect and would send a concerning message about the place of minority voices in European civic life. 

Such decision would also raise serious questions regarding the European Parliament’s commitment to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, including the principles of equality before the law, non-discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, freedom of association, and the right of all citizens and civil society organisations to participate meaningfully in the democratic life.  

FEMYSO has been a longstanding partner of the European Parliament’s youth engagement initiatives. Since 2016, the organisation has participated in every edition of the European Youth Event, contributing to discussions, activities, and the broader success of this important platform for young people across Europe. FEMYSO has also collaborated with European institutions on initiatives aimed at strengthening youth participation and democratic engagement. 

Over recent years, FEMYSO has also been subjected to repeated harassment, intimidation and campaigns seeking to delegitimise its participation in the European Youth Event and other institutional spaces. Throughout this period, European Parliament acknowledged these concerns and communicated its commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment in which all accredited participants could engage free from harassment and discrimination. If confirmed, this decision would effectively allow harassment to determine participation, rewarding intimidation instead of protecting those targeted by it. It also risks legitimising narratives that seek to exclude and stigmatise Muslim organisations and could contribute to the broader shrinking of civic space for minority and youth voices across Europe.  

We therefore call on the European Parliament to provide urgent clarification regarding the reported decision, on what grounds it was taken, the process through which it was reached, and how it is consistent with the European Parliament’s obligations under the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. We request the disclosure of the 6^th of July meeting minutes and the Secretary General’s 2027 EYE Concept Note. We further call on the European Parliament to uphold its commitment to protect participants from harassment, safeguard civic space, and ensure that all youth organisations are able to participate in democratic processes free from discrimination.  

[END]   

Signatories: 

1. #DiasporaVote!  
2. Academia Cidadã/Citizenship Academy (Portugal)  
3. Animafac 
4. Antizionist Jewish Alliance in Belgium (AJAB) 
5. Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF)  
6. CJE – Consejo de la Juventud de España 
7. Collectif Contre l’islamophobie en Europe (CCIE)  
8. COMEX ARC  
9. Committee for National and International Relations of Youth and Non-formal Education Organisations (CNAJEP)  
10. Consejo de la Juventud de España (CJE)  
11. Dalla Parte Giusta della Storia  
12. Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe (EYCE)  
13. End FGM European Network 
14. Equinox Initiative for Racial Justice  
15. Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
16. Erev Rav NL
17. European Roma Grassroots Organisations (ERGO) Network  
18. European Bureau for Conscientious Objection to Military Service (EBCO-BEOC)   
19. European Civic Forum (ECF)  
20. European Disability Forum (EDF)  
21. European Federation for Intercultural Learning (EFIL) 
22. European Network Against Racism (ENAR)  
23. European Students’ Union (ESU)  
24. Fédération des associations générales étudiantes (FAGE)  
25. Fantapolitica  
26. Federation of Young European Greens (FYEG)  
27. Human Rights Watch (HRW)  
28. International Falcon Movement – Socialist Educational International (IFM-SEI)   
29. International Young Catholic Students – International Movement of Catholic Students (JECI – MIEC) 
30. Jeunes européens – France
31. Jewish Antizionist Action (JAZA)
32. Jewish Bloc
33. Jewish Bloc for Palestine (UK)
34. Jewish Network for Palestine (JNP)
35. Jewish Peaceniks 
36. Judeobolschewiener*innen (JBW*)
37. Judeus pela Paz e Justiça (Portugal)
38. JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)  
39. Kif Kif vzw  
40. L’APEStE, association des parents et des enfants de Strasbourg et l’Eurométropole — Front de Mères Strasbourg  
41. Ligali  
42. No Hate Speech Network (NHSN)  
43. No Name Kitchen (NNK)  
44. Observatoire des camps de réfugiés   
45. Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU)  
46. Portuguese Platform of Development NGOs  
47. SOLIDAR  
48. ternYpe – International Roma Youth Network  
49. Union Juive Française pour la Paix (UJFP – French Jewish Peace Union)
50. Union of Justice
51. Vocify  
52. World Student Christian Federation in Europe (WSCF)  
53. Youth and Environment Europe (YEE)  
54. Youth of European Nationalities (YEN)
55. Manchester Jewish Action for Palestine
56. MEP Benedetta Scuderi (Greens/EFA)  
57. MEP Lynn Boylan (The LEFT)  
58. MEP Bricmont Saskia (Greens/EFA)  
59. MEP Rima Hassan (The LEFT) – Co-chair of the Anti-racism and diversity intergroup of the European Parliament (ARDI)  
60. MEP Rudi Kennes (The LEFT)  
61. MEP Mélissa Camara (Greens/EFA) – Co-chair of the Anti-racism and diversity intergroup of the European Parliament (ARDI)   
62. United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues – Nicolas Levrat, as an Independent mandate holder from the UN Human Rights Council 

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.       

2. Hate and discrimination have no place in Europe

3. EYE 2025 Policy Recommendations

4. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org.

Pour diffusion immédiate

Bruxelles, le 8 juillet 2026

Le Forum des Organisations Européennes Musulmanes de Jeunes et d’Étudiants (FEMYSO) a pris connaissance d’une déclaration publique faite aujourd’hui par la députée européenne Marion Maréchal, dans laquelle celle-ci affirme que FEMYSO a été exclu des activités du Parlement européen. Elle reprend des allégations et des discours qui ont été maintes fois démentis ; nous sommes convaincus que nos institutions ne se laisseront pas entraîner dans cette désinformation.

À la date de publication de ce communiqué de presse, FEMYSO n’a reçu aucune notification du Parlement européen confirmant une telle mesure. Notre organisation n’a pas non plus été informée d’un quelconque processus lié à une telle décision, ni invitée à y participer. Nous demandons donc de toute urgence aux autorités compétentes du Parlement Européen de nous fournir des éclaircissements quant à la véracité de ces allégations.

Depuis près de trois décennies, FEMYSO collabore de manière transparente et constructive avec les institutions européennes afin de promouvoir la participation des jeunes, l’engagement démocratique et les droits fondamentaux. Nous accordons une grande importance à notre coopération de longue date avec le Parlement européen et restons déterminés à entretenir une relation constructive et respectueuse avec cette institution.

Fort d’un engagement de longue date avec l’Unité Jeunesse du Parlement européen et la Rencontre des jeunes européens (EYE), FEMYSO a participé au EYE dès sa deuxième édition en 2016, puis à chaque nouvelle Rencontre jusqu’à aujourd’hui. Tout au long de cette période, FEMYSO a contribué au programme et au succès de cet événement en animant des ateliers sur des thèmes tels que l’intelligence artificielle et les droits numériques, l’éducation et l’élaboration des politiques, ainsi que la démocratie et les droits de l’homme. FEMYSO a par ailleurs été partenaire officiel du projet du Parlement européen consacré aux élections européennes de 2019 et a figuré parmi les partenaires de l’Année européenne de la jeunesse 2022.

Tant que le Parlement européen n’aura pas apporté de précisions officielles, les déclarations publiques faites aujourd’hui restent invérifiées. Nous appelons donc l’institution à clarifier la situation sans délai.

[FIN]

Notes:

1. FEMYSO (fondé en 1996) est une organisation parapluie de plus de 30 organisations de jeunes et d’étudiants musulmans à travers 22 pays Européens, et constitue la voix de la jeunesse européenne musulmane, en les développant et autonomisant, contribuant à la construction d’une Europe plus diverse, cohésive et dynamique.
2. FEMYSO répond aux fausses allégations sur son lien avec les Frères Musulmans – FEMYSO 
3. Communiqué concernant l’enquête sur la campagne de diffamation.
4. Communiqué de FEMYSO concernant The New Yorker : https://femyso.org/femyso-new-yorker-statement/
5. Pour plus d’informations ou de demandes, s.v.p. contactez media@femyso.org.
   

For immediate release 

Brussels, 8 July 2026  

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Students Organisations (FEMYSO) has noted a public statement made today by Member of the European Parliament Marion Maréchal claiming that FEMYSO has been excluded from activities of the European Parliament. She is recycling allegations and narratives that have been repeatedly debunked; we trust our institutions to not be drawn into this disinformation.  

At the time of this press release, FEMYSO has not been notified by the European Parliament of any decision confirming such a measure. Nor has our organisation been informed of, or invited to participate in, any process relating to such a decision. We are therefore seeking urgent clarification from the relevant authorities within the European Parliament regarding the accuracy of these public claims. 

For nearly three decades, FEMYSO has engaged transparently and constructively with European institutions to promote youth participation, democratic engagement, and fundamental rights. We value our longstanding cooperation with the European Parliament and remain committed to maintaining a constructive and respectful relationship with the institution. 

FEMYSO has a longstanding history of engagement with the European Parliament’s Youth Outreach Unit and the European Youth Event (EYE), having participated in all five editions of the EYE since 2016. Throughout this period, FEMYSO has contributed to the programme and success of these events by delivering sessions on topics including AI and Digital Rights, Education and Policymaking, and Democracy and Human Rights. FEMYSO has also been an official partner of the European Parliament’s 2019 European elections project and was a listed partner for the European Year of Youth 2022. 

Until the European Parliament provides official clarification, the public claims made today remain unverified. We therefore call on the institution to clarify the situation without delay. 

[END]

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.       
2. FEMYSO responds to false allegations on links to Muslim Brotherhood 
3. Smear campaign investigation statement.  
4. FEMYSO New Yorker statement: https://femyso.org/femyso-new-yorker-statement/ 
5. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org.

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) warns of escalating Islamophobic attacks targeting Muslims, mosques, and community leaders across Europe in June 2026. 

19 June 2026 – Edinburgh, Scotland: Two Muslim men were stabbed while leaving Broomhouse Mosque in a series of attacks currently under investigation as an anti-Muslim hatred case. Several individuals were injured, causing distress within the local Muslim community. 

13 June 2026 – Blackburn, United Kingdom: A mosque was targeted in a suspected arson attack. The fire damaged the building and is under police investigation. 

10-11 June 2026 – Bolton, United Kingdom: The home of an imam was targeted in a firebomb attack. A lit accelerant was thrown into the property while seven people were inside, all of whom escaped unharmed. The incident is being treated as a targeted attack. 

10-11 June 2026 – Cagliari, Italy: A mosque was targeted in an arson attack. Investigators reportedly treated the mosque as the intended target, with anti-terrorism authorities involved. 

These incidents reflect a disturbing pattern of violence against Muslims, mosques, and community leaders within a short period of time. They underline the urgent need to address Islamophobia as a lived reality that can escalate into physical harm. 

According to the 2024 report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, 47% of Muslims surveyed across European Union Member States report experiencing discrimination in their daily lives, while 39% report racist harassment. These findings highlight the persistence of Islamophobia and its impact on safety, dignity, and equality. 

Mosques, Islamic centres, and Muslim community leaders must be protected and able to operate safely. Targeting both individuals and places of worship is an attack on Muslim communities and on the fundamental principle of religious freedom. 

FEMYSO calls on European leaders and institutions to take urgent action to address Islamophobia, including stronger protection of places of worship and effective responses to hate crimes and terror attacks. Structural action is required to ensure Muslims in Europe can live and worship without fear. 

FEMYSO stands in solidarity with all those affected and reaffirms its commitment to challenging Islamophobia and defending the rights and dignity of Muslim communities. 

[END]  

NOTES:   

1. Being Muslim in the EU – Experiences of Muslims   
2. 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.         
3. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org.  

Brussels, 18 June 2026

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) strongly condemns the European Parliament’s vote approving measures to deport migrants to so-called “return hubs” in non-EU countries.

This decision marks a dangerous step towards policies that undermine fundamental rights, weaken international protection systems, and shift responsibility beyond European borders. It reflects a wider trend in EU migration policies that prioritises deterrence and control over human dignity and justice.

FEMYSO warns that the creation of “return hubs” risks placing people in situations where their rights are not fully protected. Transferring individuals outside the EU may limit access to asylum procedures, legal safeguards, and independent oversight. This raises serious concerns about arbitrary detention, violations of the principle of non-refoulement, and the erosion of basic protections under international law.

The human impact of such policies is significant. Experiences from other countries, including the United States, show that similar approaches can result in family members being separated, children being placed in unsafe or inadequately supervised conditions, and vulnerable people being denied access to legal and social support. Such policies disproportionately affect certain communities due to systemic racial profiling and stereotyping, further deepening inequalities and social stigmas.

From a youth perspective, the consequences of these policies are especially concerning. Young migrants and international students often face significant barriers to stability, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and increased uncertainty around migration and return procedures can further undermine their access to education, training, employment, and support networks. This risks deepening exclusion and limiting the ability of young people to fully participate in society

These developments are part of a broader political climate in which exclusionary and far-right narratives are gaining ground across Europe. The increasing focus on restrictive migration policies signals a move away from the EU’s core values of human rights, solidarity, and the rule of law.

As a network representing young European Muslims, FEMYSO is particularly concerned about the wider impact of these policies. The continued outsourcing of migration responsibilities not only puts vulnerable people at risk, but also reinforces harmful narratives that stigmatise migrant communities, fuel Islamophobia, and deepen divisions in society.

“The adoption of “return hubs” represents a dangerous turning point in Europe’s migration policies. It shows a willingness to sidestep fundamental rights in favour of short-term political solutions that put vulnerable people at greater risk. As young European Muslims, we are deeply concerned by the normalisation of policies that reinforce exclusion, stigma, and division in our societies,” said Hiba Latreche, President of FEMYSO. 

FEMYSO firmly rejects the outsourcing of migration responsibilities countries where human rights protections cannot be guaranteed. Such approaches do not provide sustainable solutions and instead expose people to further risks, including poor conditions, lack of legal support, and potential abuse.

FEMYSO calls on European institutions and Member States to:

1. Halt the implementation of “return hub” mechanisms that undermine fundamental rights
2. Uphold their obligations under international and European law, including the right to asylum and the principle of non-refoulement
3. Promote migration policies based on dignity, protection, and solidarity
4. Challenge narratives that exploit migration to justify discrimination and exclusion

FEMYSO stresses that Europe’s response to migration will define its commitment to human rights and justice. These measures risk setting a dangerous precedent that must be urgently challenged.

[END] 

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.       
2. For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org. 

The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) expresses its profound grief and unequivocal condemnation following the terrorist attack targeting worshippers at the Islamic Center of San Diego, California.

This horrific act of violence is far from a one-time incident, it comes amid a continued rise in anti-Muslim hatred, dehumanising and demonising rhetoric, and the normalisation of Islamophobia across public and political discourse. Muslim communities continue to bear the consequences of an environment in which hatred against Muslims is tolerated, amplified, and insufficiently challenged.

Places of worship, faith-based educational institutions and community gathering places must never become sites of fear, violence, or mourning. Yet once again, Muslims have been targeted while gathering in a mosque. Such attacks leave deep and lasting wounds not only on the directly affected community, but on Muslims globally, who continue to witness increasing hostility and insecurity.

We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones and families of Amin Abdullah, Nadir Awad and Mansoor Kazziha, and the wider Muslim community in San Diego. We also express our solidarity with all those impacted by this devastating attack, including community members, students, educators, and families connected to the mosque and its surrounding institutions.

Unfortunately, the ideology and narratives that fuel attacks such as this have become increasingly widespread far beyond the United States. Across Europe and elsewhere, islamophobic rhetoric has been amplified by political actors, media figures, and extremist movements that portray Muslims as outsiders, demographic threats or incompatible with society. In recent weeks, public marches and political campaigns in the UK have openly targeted Muslim communities, while some public officials and politicians have called for mass expulsions and exclusionary policies directed at Muslims and migrants.

FEMYSO calls on political leaders, institutions, media actors, and digital platforms to take meaningful action against Islamophobia, hate speech, and extremist violence. Statements of condemnation alone are not enough. Concrete measures are urgently needed to protect Muslim communities and confront the systems and narratives that enable such violence to persist.

This attack once again demonstrates the urgent need for sustained efforts to combat Islamophobia in all its forms and to ensure that Muslims are able to live, gather, and worship in safety and dignity.

[END]

Notes:

FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 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.

For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org.