The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling for the Muslim Brotherhood and its networks to be listed as a terrorist organization in the European Union. The resolution, which was passed with 381 votes in favor, 167 against, and 15 abstentions, also urges the EU to stop funding organizations linked to the Brotherhood. The move is seen as a tougher stance against organizations that seek to exert political influence and receive public funding.
The resolution was backed by the European Conservatives and Reformists group, which said it was a step towards a more realistic and robust European response to organizations that seek to exercise political influence and receive public funding. The group also emphasized the need for transparency in foreign funding and to prevent organizations linked to the Brotherhood from having privileged access to European institutions.
According to Assita Kanko, the group's coordinator for civil liberties, justice, and home affairs, it is essential to track EU budget funds to their final beneficiaries to prevent them from being used to finance organizations that work against European values. Kanko stressed that the fight against political Islam does not target Muslims but aims to defend every citizen's right to live without fear or ideological pressure.
The European Parliament's resolution is expected to put pressure on the European Commission and the EU Council to take action. The Commission and Council will now need to consider the Parliament's call and decide whether to add the Muslim Brotherhood to the EU's list of terrorist organizations. This move could have significant implications for the Brotherhood's operations and funding in Europe.
The Muslim Brotherhood has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. However, it has not been listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union, which has instead described it as a "political organization" in the past.
The European Parliament's resolution is seen as a response to concerns about the Brotherhood's activities in Europe and its alleged links to extremist groups. The Brotherhood has been accused of using its presence in Europe to raise funds and recruit new members. The resolution's supporters argue that it is essential to take a tougher stance against the Brotherhood and other organizations that seek to undermine European values.
The European Parliament's move has been welcomed by several countries that have already designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Egypt, in particular, has been vocal in its criticism of the Brotherhood, which it sees as a threat to its national security. The Egyptian government has been working closely with European countries to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to counter extremist groups.
Key points
- The European Parliament has called for the Muslim Brotherhood to be added to the EU's list of terrorist organizations.
- The resolution also urges the EU to stop funding organizations linked to the Brotherhood.
- The move is seen as a tougher stance against organizations that seek to exert political influence and receive public funding.
