Brussels: TRENDS Research and Advisory, through its Belgium office, participated in the conference "Bridging Divides: Addressing Polarisation and Extremism Among Europe's Youth" at the European Parliament in Brussels. This event was organised by the International Movement for Peace and Coexistence (IMPAC) in cooperation with the office of MEP Antonio L³pez-Istºriz White. The participation aligns with the Centre's mission to counter extremism through knowledge dissemination.
According to Emirates News Agency, Abdulaziz Al Marzooqi, a researcher, delivered a keynote address for TRENDS, highlighting the increasing challenges of polarisation and extremism among European youth. He attributed these challenges to the influence of extremist political movements, especially those associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, which operate through various NGOs in Europe. These groups, he explained, aim to sow division by exploiting narratives and targeting vulnerable groups.
The address emphasized the necessity of understanding how these groups function, often under the guise of 'progressivism' or 'woke' ideologies, and their impact on Europe's social fabric. Al Marzooqi pointed out that these organisations contribute to youth radicalisation and undermine integration efforts through financial support, strategic partnerships, and extremist propaganda.
TRENDS also stressed the importance of identifying the power and funding sources of the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliated organisations, as highlighted in its reports and seminars. This identification is crucial to countering their influence and safeguarding Europe's values of unity and inclusivity.
Education was underscored as a central tool in countering extremism, equipping youth with critical thinking skills and resilience against harmful ideologies. The address called for educational reforms promoting openness, dialogue, and understanding of diverse perspectives, citing the Brussels Roundtable as a model for advancing anti-indoctrination curricula.
TRENDS reviewed lessons from international experiences, particularly the United Arab Emirates' de-radicalisation model, which offers insights on collaboration between governments, communities, and institutions to combat extremism. It warned against negative outcomes in regions where Brotherhood-linked organisations have caused division rather than unity.
The address concluded that confronting polarisation and extremism requires global cooperation, vigilance, and a commitment to peace, tolerance, and integration to ensure a future of unity and progress for Europe's youth.
Imam Mohammad Tawhidi, Governing Member of The Global Imams Council - Canada, and Advisor on Counter-Extremism and Terrorism Affairs at TRENDS, reiterated that Islamist networks, especially the Muslim Brotherhood, are executing a coordinated, long-term strategy to infiltrate and weaken Europe's democratic institutions. Speaking on behalf of TRENDS, he praised the UAE and TRENDS for their roles in countering extremist ideologies and promoting intellectual and societal security.