Geneva July 01, 2023 (SD) – The European Union has recently criticized the burning of the Quran and the suppression of freedom of religion, stating that such actions are not compatible with Europe.

The European Union’s Foreign Affairs Ministry strongly condemned Sweden’s decision to allow the burning of the Quran in that country.

“Manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance have no place in Europe,’ the bloc’s statement says.

An EU spokesperson stated that those actions does not reflect the views of the European Union, emphasizing that we should promote the principle of freedom of speech.

“This act in no way reflects the opinions of the European Union… Manifestations of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance have no place in Europe,” the statement said.

The statement also highlighted that the person responsible for the offensive statement was elected on the day Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

“The European Union will continue to defend the freedom of religion or belief and the freedom of expression, both at home and abroad. Now is the time for understanding and respect, not for further exacerbating existing tensions,” added the EU spokesperson.

The EU statement comes as the Islamic cooperation organization expressed its concern about the anti-Islam actions, and called for an immediate session to discuss the increasing acts of violence affecting stability.

Many Muslim-majority countries around the world have strongly condemned the burning of the Holy Quran, expressing their concerns through removing their embassies and representatives in Sweden.