Hate and discrimination have no place in Europe

These acts, which included coordinated far-right harassment, hateful slogans worn inside the EYE spaces, online defamation campaigns, and verbal abuse targeting visibly Muslim participants, are unacceptable in any democratic space. It is especially disturbing to see this at an event dedicated to youth civic participation, hosted by the European Parliament.

We express our full solidarity with FEMYSO, the only pan-European democratic organisation representing Muslim youth, and all those targeted because of their religion, background or identity. For the third time in recent years, FEMYSO has been subjected to systematic intimidation at the EYE. It is deeply concerning to see an organisation committed to upholding European values and institutions being subjected to such treatment in a European space. This is not a coincidence. It is part of an organised and escalating effort we are witnessing all across Europe, meant to silence, discredit, intimidate and exclude racialised young people from European civic life.

We commend the swift response by the European Parliament’s security services and safeguarding teams, with which we were in close coordination in our capacity as coordinators of the activities organised in the EYE Village. We also commend the clear and public condemnation delivered by the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Pina Picierno, during the closing ceremony.

As the largest European youth platform, we reaffirm our commitment to continue to work with marginalised communities, create spaces for democratic dialogue, and empower all young people to contribute to European democracy. We will continue to dedicate all our efforts to keep youth spaces open, safe and democratic. That means not only celebrating diversity, but defending it, particularly and especially when it is under attack. We call on all European institutions and youth organisations to commit to this effort.

Finally, we thank all the activity organisers in the EYE Village, including FEMYSO, for implementing their workshops successfully despite the challenges, ensuring that participants were able to engage in discussions and deliberations.