Closing statement of the General Conference of Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe

Istanbul 23-26 January 2020The General Conference of the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe took place 23 – 26 January 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey, with the participation of delegations representing member organizations alongside a number of guests.The conference extends its sincere condolences and sympathy to Turkey and to the victims and families of those affected by the earthquake that struck the Elazig region.The conference discussed the status quo in Europe and the situation of Muslims in the continent. It also discussed emerging issues and challenges, the affairs of member organizations, and ways to improve performance in various fields.The conference discussed and approved administrative and financial reports, followed the development of the regulations in the Federation’s bodies, and completed the electoral procedures for vacant positions. The conference saluted the efforts of the Federation’s leadership and of its member organizations, including their development and cooperation within civil societies across Europe enabling benefit that is comprehensive.The conference discussed methods of developing positive Muslim participation in various fields. In its deliberations, it singled out women and youth affairs explicitly, and rated highly also the importance of specialized institutions, social media sites, and some cultural and social issues in local European communities.The General Conference discussed the proposals submitted to it by the leading committees in the Federation on the issue of changing the name of the Federation. The new name agreed upon was “Council of European Muslims”, to be adopted and used with immediate effect.The conference also discussed the draft “Cultural document for the Council of European Muslims” which will include, upon its publication, the principles and guiding values based on what is set forth in the “Charter of European Muslims” and related documents.The conference monitored with great concern the increase in abuses and racist attacks on mosques, cemeteries and Islamic facilities in a number of European countries. It pointed in particular to the physical and verbal attacks against Muslim girls and women motivated by hate and racism. The General Conference stressed that these developments require more civil solidarity and the development of principled positions to stand in the face of hatred and Islamophobia and reject the messages that incites hate. The conference urged the development of joint action in European communities to support mutual understanding and confront a rising culture of hate, and the refusal to put Muslims in political and electoral contests.