An EU programme is financing the “The European Qur’an” project with nearly €10 million. Its stated aim is to demonstrate that Islam has made a significant contribution to European history, which has been underestimated until now. Islamic experts and politicians are sounding the alarm, warning of historical falsification and ideological bias.

The European Union is providing €9.84 million to the “The European Qur’an” project, which will run until 2026 and examine the influence of the Qur’an on European culture between 1150 and 1850.

The masterminds of the project say they plan travelling exhibitions, conferences, and book publications to “question the traditional interpretation of the Qur’an’s text and deeply rooted ideas about European religious and cultural identities.”

The message: Islam has made a significant contribution to European history, which has been underestimated until now.

The logo of the EU-funded “The European Qur’an” research project. Screenshot / Facebook / European Qur’an

The website states: “Our project is based on the conviction that the Qur’an played an important role in shaping religious diversity and identity in medieval and early modern Europe – and it still does today.” At the time of publication, the EU project website was not accessible.

The poster advertises a conference held as part of the project on 4 June at the Grande Mosquée in Paris. Screenshot / Facebook / European Qur’an

The scholars involved are allegedly linked to the Muslim Brotherhood

Criticism comes from conservative politicians and experts on Islamism: several of the scholars involved are allegedly closely connected to the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood. French Islamic researcher Ms. Florence Bergeaud-Blackler, who is under police protection due to her publications critical of the Muslim Brotherhood, warned in an interview with French daily Le Figaro about the Islamist organisation, which has gradually become a central “institutional point of contact,” particularly in relation to European programmes.

French Islamic researcher Ms. Florence Bergeaud-Blackler is under police protection after receiving death threats due to her critical publications. IMAGO/IMAGO / IP3press

“Historical falsification – financed with public money”

According to Exxpress, several Members of the European Parliament have expressed concern. Fabrice Leggeri, former head of Frontex and currently a Member of the European Parliament for Rassemblement National, criticised in a letter what he described as “ideological excesses contrary to the Union’s values.” In his interview with Le Figaro, Mr. Leggeri warned of the project’s clear ideological bias, disguised under the guise of scientific research.

The programme „rewrites Europe’s religious and cultural history by suggesting that Europe was always closely linked to Islam between 1150 and 1850. Convincing people that Islam has always played a significant role in Europe is historical falsification – financed with public money.”

French MEP Céline Imart (EPP) also wrote to EC President Ursula von der Leyen to protest against the “lack of oversight of EU funds and waste of resources.” She argued that the money should instead go to researchers “who strengthen our competitiveness,” rather than “funding studies by individuals close to the Muslim Brotherhood.”

It is particularly controversial that the project is one of the best-funded initiatives under the EU’s “Scientific Excellence” programme. The programme was created to help Europe catch up with the United States in high-tech research. Critics see little connection between a cultural-historical study of the Qur’an and this goal.