Muslims in Europe: Integration in Selected Countries
Summary
Muslims are the largest religious minority in Europe, and Islam is the fastestgrowing religion. Europe’s Muslim population is ethnically and linguisticallydiverse, and Muslim immigrants in Europe hail from a variety of Middle Eastern,African, and Asian countries, as well as Turkey. Over the last few years, Europeancountries have stepped up efforts to integrate more fully their expanding Muslimpopulations. Recent terrorist acts in Europe — such as the July 2005 Londonbombings that were carried out by young Muslims born and/or bred in Europe —have given further impetus to these initiatives. The widescale riots and violence thatbroke out in late October 2005 throughout France in reaction to the deaths of twoyoung Muslims also highlight the alienation and discrimination that some EuropeanMuslims feel and the need for European governments to address such societaltensions.This report examines the integration of Muslims into the United Kingdom,France, Germany, and Spain. It also analyzes policies at the European Union (EU)level that affect Muslim populations. However, key policies relating to integratingMuslims into society — including citizenship laws, education, treatment of religiousinstitutions, and anti-discrimination measures — largely lie with individualgovernments.The countries discussed in this report have historically pursued somewhatdifferent policies with respect to managing their immigrant and minority populations.However, none has been completely successful. Britain most fully embraced thenotion of “multiculturalism” — integration while maintaining identity — but somebelieve that the UK has put too much emphasis on promoting diversity at the expenseof building a common society. France has long adhered to a policy that encouragesassimilation, but many French Muslims live in impoverished, almost exclusivelyMuslim neighborhoods. Until recently, Germany and Spain made few efforts tointegrate their Muslim minorities, and in some cases, parallel societies developed.None of the four countries examined in this report has a government thatbelieves that large parts of its Muslim populations are engaged in radical or terroristactivities. However, there is a growing awareness that social deprivation,discrimination, and a sense of cultural alienation may make some European Muslims— especially those of the second or third generation — more vulnerable to extremistideologies. At the EU level, there is also new momentum to encourage betterintegration and tackle the root causes of Islamist extremism given the EU’s largelyopen borders and the recognition that halting or severely restricting immigration tothe EU is not an option in light of Europe’s aging population and declining birthrates.This report may be updated as events warrant. For more information onEuropean efforts to counter terrorism and combat Islamist extremists, see CRSReport RL31612,
European Counterterrorist Efforts: Political Will and Diverse Responses in the First Year after September 11
, by Paul Gallis; and CRS ReportRS22211,
Islamist Extremists in Europe
, by Kristin Archick, coordinator.
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