Europe is quietly reshaping its approach to political Islam. No longer seen only through the lens of counterterrorism, Islamist movements are now considered a threat to democratic cohesion. Sweden is leading the way.
Sweden’s Integration Reform
Simona Mohamsson, Sweden’s new Minister of Education and Integration, has introduced policies prioritizing civic values and national identity. Her plan includes frameworks to assess immigrants’ values, ensuring alignment with Sweden’s democratic and secular principles.
Mohamsson stated:
“Integration cannot mean the coexistence of parallel moral systems. It must mean a shared commitment to Sweden’s values.”
This approach is aimed at networks linked to the Muslim Brotherhood that have historically exploited integration systems under cultural or religious pretenses.
Lessons from Europe
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France: Macron’s 2021 Separatism Law dissolves groups threatening secularism.
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Austria: Legislation targets foreign-funded religious institutions and studies political Islam academically.
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Germany: Surveillance and selective legal action prevent ideological grooming while avoiding confrontation.
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Denmark & Sweden: Scandinavian nations are now expanding oversight from mosques to schools and charities, treating extremism as structural rather than fringe.
Global Implications
Europe’s shift aligns with insights from the Middle East: ideological influence spreads through education and civic networks, not just violence. Sweden’s policies highlight that resilience begins in classrooms, civic institutions, and social systems.