Safeguarding Europe – exposing the growing threat of the Muslim Brotherhood
Conference - European Parliament Brussels
March 4, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Aim of the Conference
The primary aim of this conference is to convene policymakers, experts, and stakeholders in the European Parliament to examine the multifaceted threat posed by the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) and its affiliates to European societies, democratic institutions, and security.
By highlighting the organisation’s ideological infiltration, allegedly non-violent strategies of influence, and links to extremism, the event seeks to foster informed dialogue and collaborative action to mitigate these risks. This aligns with the European Union’s broader counter-terrorism framework, which emphasises preventing radicalisation and protecting fundamental rights, as outlined in the EU Counter-Terrorism Strategy (updated in 2020) and the EU’s sanctions regime against terrorist entities, including MB offshoots like Hamas.
Conference Format
1. Act of Commemoration
The conference will begin with a solemn act of remembrance dedicated to the countless individuals who have been killed, displaced, or endured profound suffering at the hands of those espousing the Jihadist ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood.
This tribute honours the resilience of communities such as Iranians, the Yezidis, Kurds, Coptic Christians, Maronite Christians, Druze (particularly those affected in Syria), Alawites and Jews, among others, whose stories of perseverance inspire our collective pursuit of peace and coexistence.
In a symbolic gesture of hope and solidarity, participants will join in lighting an electronic candle, which will remain aglow throughout the event as a beacon of light against the darkness of extremism and violence.
The commemoration will culminate in the presentation of a specially commissioned artwork to the European Parliament, crafted by renowned blacksmith Yaron Bob. Known for his transformative “Rockets into Roses” series, this piece symbolises the triumph of creativity and humanity over destruction, serving as a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to fostering dialogue and mutual understanding across divides.
2. Keynote Speakers
Hamad Alhosani, Director of the Political Islam Studies Department at TRENDS Research & Advisory, will share research on its ideological networks.
His Excellency Imam M. Tawhidi, a renowned Muslim theologian and peace advocate (known as the ‘Imam of Peace’) and governing member of the Global Imams Council offers perspectives on eradicating extremist ideologies linked to the Brotherhood.
Dr Florence Bergaud-Blackler, a CNRS research fellow, and author of key works on Islamist networks, provides in-depth analysis of Brotherist influences in Europe. CERIF.
Dr Tommaso Virgili, Senior Policy Advisor at the AJC Transatlantic Institute and co-author of reports unmasking the Brotherhood, addresses radicalisation and policy responses.
Finally, Dr Charles Asher Small, Founding Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), examines connections between antisemitism and the Brotherhood’s agendas.
Their collective insights promise to illuminate strategies for safeguarding democratic values.
3. Panel of Violated Peoples
To conclude the conference there will be an impactful panel discussion featuring representatives from communities profoundly affected by violations perpetrated by Muslim Brotherhood-linked Jihadist factions.
This session brings together voices from the Kurdish, Iranian, Yezidi, Druze, Maronite Christian, Jewish, and Alawite peoples, sharing personal testimonies, historical insights, and strategies for resistance and recovery in the face of extremism and oppression.
Moderated by Ernest Herzog, Head of Combating Antisemitism, Intelligence & Security; Executive Director, Operations, World Jewish Congress (WJC) the panel aims to amplify these narratives, foster cross-cultural solidarity, and inspire actionable steps toward safeguarding human rights and promoting peaceful coexistence across Europe and beyond.
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