European leaders are failing to address rising anti-Muslim hatred, warns EU Islamophobia coordinator

Marion Lalisse, the EU’s coordinator for combating anti-Muslim hatred, has criticized European leaders for lacking the political will to tackle rising anti-Muslim sentiment, Hyphenonline.com reported. She highlighted the need for a clear definition of Islamophobia, as nearly 50% of European Muslims report facing discrimination.

The European Commission has not reached a consensus on terminology related to anti-Muslim hatred, which Lalisse identifies as a significant failure. Despite Muslims being the second largest religious group in the EU, only 5% of Members of the European Parliament are from racialized minorities.

Established in 2015, the role of anti-Muslim hate coordinator was created in response to increasing violence against Muslims. Reports indicate that anti-Muslim hate has reached “epidemic proportions,” with surveys showing that nearly 40% of people hold unfavorable views of Muslims.

Lalisse noted the absence of a dedicated action plan for anti-Muslim racism, leading to unclear targets. The European Commission condemned the rise in discrimination following the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. Civil society organizations criticized the EU for failing to consult the Muslim community and implement meaningful actions against Islamophobia, as highlighted in the latest European Islamophobia Report.