In this issue of The Network, euronews’ Chris Burns leads a discussion on extremism in Europe.
Chris Burns: “The massacre at a Jewish school in Toulouse shook Europe, and France’s presidential campaign, recharging debate over how to deal with religious extremism. Some argue the young Muslim man’s turning to violence was a symptom of European intolerance and exclusion. Others blame it on radical religious leaders.
“So far investigators believe French-born Mohammed Merah, who was of Algerian origin, was not part of a terror network as he boasted. Yet it’s another case of home-grown violent extremism in Europe.
“How to address that is a dilemma for European governments that admit multi-cultural policies have failed. It’s also an issue for EU hopeful countries in the Balkans, where money from Muslim countries has bolstered more radical elements.
“While religious extremism in Europe centres on Islam, the recent massacre in Oslo – by a self proclaimed Christian extremist – challenges government policies on dealing with any violent groups. Groups that increase fears of intensifying ethnic and religious clashes in the future.
Connected in this issue of The Network here at the European Parliament, Sophia In’t Veld, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
Also in parliament, Ahmed Bouziane, Director of Islamic Relief Belgium.
And in Antwerp, an MP in the Flemish parliament for the right-wing Vlaams Belang Party.
Click on the link above to watch The Network.