EU parliament calls for Muslim Brotherhood terror listings

The European Parliament has endorsed proposals to curb the Muslim Brotherhood's influence and designate some of its supporters as terrorists. In a vote of 381 to 167, the legislative body urged EU member states to compile lists of individuals and groups associated with the Brotherhood. They requested the EU Commission to produce a thorough analysis of any instances where EU funds have been granted to the Brotherhood's allies.

The Parliament also voiced "deep concern" over the Brotherhood's strategies seeking to exert influence. They characterized the group as a political entity that prioritizes religious law over democratic principles, the rule of law, and equality among citizens. The Brotherhood is banned in numerous Middle Eastern nations, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, and has received a designation from the US for certain factions in Egypt and Jordan.

There is mounting pressure on the EU to adopt similar measures. The French Parliament backed a similar resolution in January, urging the union to label the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. While the European Parliament lacks autonomous decision-making capabilities, it can exert influence over other EU institutions to take action.

The largest party within the Parliament, the centre-right European People's Party, emphasized that the EU "must never fund Islamists." One member of the Parliament, Celine Imart, stressed the importance of differentiating between Islam as a faith and political Islam as an ideology, and insisted on safeguarding both democracy and religious freedom.

The Council of EU member states should list individuals and organizations linked to the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist entities where rules permit, stated one of Parlement members.