The Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE) has issued its Final Statement of the Seventh Shura Council held in mid-November. Notable topics taken up in the statement include concern over the issue of Muslim refugees seeking refuge in Europe, “shock at the extent of practices of eavesdropping and surveillance, invading individuals’ personal space, and spying on their private life” and what it called “flagrant violations by the Israeli occupation authorities of the blessed al-Aqsa Mosque”:
Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe
Istanbul, 14-17 November 2013 The Seventh Shura Council in the ninth term of the Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe (FIOE) was held, with the blessing and aid of Allah, from 14-17 November 2013 (10-13 Muharram 1435H) in Istanbul. The Council convened this ordinary meeting, chaired by the governing body of the Federation Shura Council, and with the participation of the Federation President, Executive Office members, and representatives of member organisations in the majority of European countries.
The Shura Council deliberated over the developments in the Federation’s work, and the progress in management tasks; it also discussed the performance of the Federation, its bodies, and member organisations, and reviewed the projects, programmes, and campaigns organised by Federation departments and member organisations.
The Council also discussed the situation in Europe, and the affairs of Muslims on the Continent, as well as related issues and concerns. The Council also considered means of reinforcing cooperation and coordination with partners in citizenship in Europe, and developing participation in societal dialogue, as well as continuing to strive to serve Europe’s Muslims, and contributing to assuring the public interest of European societies.
The Shura Council in this session concluded the review of Federation performance over the past decade, and the horizons for potential improvement in the coming phase. The Council studied the overall conditions of Europe’s Muslims, and the means to develop work, coordination, and partnership, within European civil society. The Council also deliberated over current issues on the European scene, and the means for addressing them, as well as various questions and matters in different fields.
The Council congratulates Europe’s Muslims and the entire Muslim nation on the Hijri New Year (1435H), and closes proceedings by articulating the following positions and directives:
The Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE) claims to be an independent organization representing the interests of Muslims in Europe. In reality, the FIOE is an umbrella group that comprises the global Muslim Brotherhood in Europe. Strong links connect FIOE’s leadership central institutions and member organizations to the Brotherhood, as well as to Saudi Arabia and Ayman Aly, the last-known FIOE Secretary-General, is also a senior member of the Guidance Bureau of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood as well as an adviser to Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. Funding for the FIOE is derived largely from Gulf sources, including some of the ruling families of the United Arab Emirates. The FIOE has strong ties to Hamas and Hamas fund-raising organizations, and some FIOE member organizations show evidence of links with Al-Qaida. The FIOE recently opened a headquarters office in Brussels and has had some success in positioning itself as a “dialog partner” for the EU and other important institutions.
