The Greek Forum of Refugees has joined more than 100 civil society organisations across Europe in a joint letter to the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, raising serious concerns over the language used during the European Parliament debate on “Islamist entryism” and the potential consequences of the resolution adopted in October 2026.
The concerns raised are not about preventing legitimate scrutiny of extremism, illegal activities or threats to democratic institutions. These issues must be addressed seriously, based on evidence, individual responsibility and the rule of law.
However, the fight against extremism cannot lead to the stigmatisation of Muslims as a whole, nor can the legitimate work of civil society organisations, including advocacy, participation in public debate and engagement with European institutions, be treated in itself as evidence of wrongdoing.
The joint letter raises particular concern about the targeting of Muslim civil society organisations, including the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO), as well as wider pressures on anti-racist organisations such as the European Network Against Racism (ENAR).
For the Greek Forum of Refugees, this issue goes beyond the organisations directly named in the resolution.
As a refugee-led organisation, we strongly believe that refugee, migrant, religious and minority communities must be able to organise, advocate for their rights and participate meaningfully in democratic decision-making without being collectively treated with suspicion because of their origin, religion or the communities they represent.
Civil society participation, advocacy and engagement with democratic institutions are not threats to democracy. They are part of how democracy functions.
Europe must be able to protect its institutions from genuine threats while also protecting the civic space in which civil society and communities can participate freely and equally. These two responsibilities should reinforce each other, not come into conflict.
Through this joint initiative, GFR stands with European civil society in calling for the protection of equality, non-discrimination, open civic space and meaningful participation for all.
