EU Parliament warned about Islamist ‘entryism’ and threats to democratic resilience
By HRWF Editorial Team
HRWF (06.03.2026) – On 4 March 2026, a high-level conference titled “Safeguarding Europe: Exposing the Growing Threat of the Muslim Brotherhood” was convened at the European Parliament. Hosted by MEPs Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) and Thomas Zdechovský (EPP) and co-organized by Nigel Goodrich, the event brought together security experts, human rights defenders, and representatives of persecuted Middle Eastern minorities to analyze the “Brotherist” strategy of institutional infiltration.
Central to the conference was the report Unmasking the Muslim Brotherhood , which details how the group utilizes “entryism” to influence academia and political institutions. Unlike peaceful Islam, which focuses on individual worship, the Brotherhood pursues a strategic political agenda aimed at establishing a supremacist, Sharia-governed state.
The Ideological Roots of Persecution
Nigel Goodrich, a lead organizer of the symposium and advocate for persecuted minorities, provided a harrowing overview of the human cost of this ideology. He emphasized that the Brotherhood’s vision leaves no room for pluralism, stating:
“It’s jihadist; it has no sense of allowing anybody to live in peace if they don’t agree with them. This view influenced the murder of so many Yazidis that it saw as being heretics.”
Goodrich highlighted the 2014 genocide of the Yazidi people by ISIS—noting the shared ideological DNA between ISIS leadership and the Brotherhood—and listed the diverse groups currently under threat, including Ahmadiyya Muslims in Pakistan, Baha’is in Iran, and Hindus in South Asia. He reminded the assembly that the fight is a collective one: “Today collectively we stand with them… we stand together against the ideology that would seek to destroy your life, remove your freedom and enslave you.”
Statistical Evidence of Displacement and Infiltration
Speakers provided concrete statistics to illustrate the scale of the crisis facing minorities and the demographic shifts within Europe:
Iraq (Christians)
Population fell from 1.5 million (pre-2011) to ~120,000 (2025).
Context: Systematic persecution by jihadist groups.
Syria (Christians)
Population fell from 1.5 million to 300,000.
Context: Mass killings and forced displacement.
Nigeria (Christians)
52,000+ Christians killed since 2009.
Context: Attacks by groups like Boko Haram.
Brussels (Belgium)
23.6% of the total population is Muslim; 40-50% in specific municipalities.
Context: Peaks in Saint-Josse, Molenbeek, and Schaerbeek.
France (Youth)
59% of young Muslims surveyed favor Sharia law over secular law.
Context: Survey of November 2025 results.
The Strategy of ‘Brotherism’ and ‘Entryism’
Dr. Florence Bergeaud-Blackler introduced the concept of “Brotherism,” defining it as a “patient Islamization” that exploits democratic strengths—such as tolerance and guilt—to subvert institutions from within. The Brotherhood has established a sophisticated EU presence via front organizations like the Council of European Muslims (CEM) and FEMYSO.
Conference statements revealed that the EU has awarded millions in grants to this network—including over 40 million euros previously provided to Islamic Relief. Speakers warned that these “front” organizations exploit a lack of stringent oversight to secure financial support for separatist ideologies.
‘Lawfare’ and the Silencing of Reformers
Dr. Tommaso Virgili and MEP Charlie Weimers raised alarms regarding “taxpayer-funded subversion” and the phenomenon of “lawfare.” They argued the Brotherhood has effectively weaponized the term “Islamophobia” to frame any critique of political Islam as racism. This “fraudulent” framing prevents legitimate debate and silences genuine Muslim reformers.
Imam Tawidi, known as the “Imam of Peace,” resonated with this sentiment: “Islam is a system of worship; the Muslim Brotherhood is a political machine with its own symbolism and agenda.” He warned that by legitimizing the Brotherhood, European institutions effectively abandon moderate Muslims and vulnerable communities, including the LGBTQ+ and feminist movements.
Recommendations for Policy Makers
The conference concluded with a series of urgent calls to action:
- Terrorist Designation: Formal calls to designate the Muslim Brotherhood and its specific affiliates as terrorist entities across the EU.
- Audit of Public Funds: Implementing rigorous a priori checks for all NGOs receiving EU grants to ensure they do not promote supremacist ideologies.
- Protection of FoRB: Safeguarding individual Freedom of Religion or Belief while preventing the ideology of “Brotherism” from carving out legalexceptions that erode the rule of law.
Nigel Goodrich closed the commemoration by asserting that when the various communities entered the room, they “put all our differences aside” to stand against an ideology that seeks to destroy the foundations of Western civilization.
Photos: Conference co-chaired by MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) & MEP Tomas Zdechowsky (EPP) Credit: Photo HRWF
