European Researcher Warns of Rising Islamophobia, Institutional Anti-Muslim Policies

European Researcher Warns of Rising Islamophobia, Institutional Anti-Muslim Policies
———————————–
Fred Hafez, a researcher at Ireland’s University of Limerick and senior researcher with Georgetown University’s Bridge Initiative, has warned that Islamophobia has intensified across Europe over the past decade, arguing that anti-Muslim rhetoric has increasingly extended beyond far-right parties into government policies and institutional practices.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Hafez said Muslims in Europe face a more difficult climate than they did ten years ago. He pointed to political developments in countries including Denmark, Germany and Austria, where he said some social democratic and conservative parties have adopted restrictive positions toward Muslims, citing arguments related to secularism or Christian cultural identity.

Hafez, who contributes to the annual Islamophobia in Europe report, said efforts to combat religious discrimination remain insufficient. He also criticized what he described as limited institutional engagement with the UN-designated International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15, as well as the resources and authority available to the European Commission’s coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred.

He raised concerns about security-based measures targeting Islamic organizations, citing cases in France involving the closure of associations and the seizure of assets under security legislation. Hafez called for stronger anti-discrimination policies, training for public-sector and education professionals on religious freedom, and greater protection for Muslim women who wear the hijab.

He also urged European Muslims to strengthen their political participation and use legal channels to defend their rights, stressing that tackling anti-Muslim racism requires broad cooperation between communities and public institutions.