EU Court of Justice Playing with Fire

The EU Court of Justice’s restrictive interpretation of religious freedom is detrimental to Muslim minorities, reflecting nationalist and Christian-centric ideologies while prioritizing women’s rights and anti-discrimination. This perspective fails to acknowledge the diverse church-state relations in EU member states, leading to a narrowing of religious practices and increased restrictions on Muslim communities, such as bans on religious slaughter. Historical tensions and societal biases further marginalize Muslims, complicating their political representation and exposing them to discriminatory policies. The Court’s rulings risk deepening divisions and fostering extremism by inadequately addressing the complex realities of religious freedom in Europe. In a nutshell, the EU is on the verge of letting down religious majorities and minorities across Europe.