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The European Parliament has backed a tougher approach to networks linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, calling for closer scrutiny of their funding and influence and an assessment of whether associated individuals and organizations should face EU terrorism sanctions.
The resolution passed Thursday by 381 votes to 167, with 15 abstentions. But despite celebratory claims circulating online, the vote does not itself outlaw the Brotherhood or add it to the EU terrorist list.
At the heart of the initiative is a straightforward question: Who receives European public money, and what is it being used for?
At the heart of the initiative is a straightforward question: Who receives European public money, and what is it being used for?
The European People’s Party, which put forward the motion, wants stronger checks before funding is awarded, clearer information about its ultimate recipients, and safeguards against money reaching networks that threaten democratic rights.
French MEP Céline Imart, who led the EPP’s work on the issue, also urged a distinction between Islam as a religion and political Islam as an ideology. The group’s budgetary control spokesman, Tomáš Zdechovský, called for authorities to trace funding and stop payments where the rules are breached.
The resolution addresses what it calls “Islamist "entryism"—efforts by organized political networks to gain influence through institutions and civil society. It seeks closer examination of funding, partnerships, and access to European decision-makers, alongside an assessment of whether Muslim Brotherhood-linked entities meet the legal criteria for terrorist listing.
The vote exposed a clear political divide. Most participating MEPs from the EPP and Renew Europe supported the text, alongside the European Conservatives and Reformists, Patriots for Europe, and Europe of Sovereign Nations. Most participating Socialists and Democrats, Greens and Left MEPs opposed it.
For Cyprus, the practical relevance lies in funding oversight and any sanctions that might follow.
A future EU terrorist listing could require assets to be frozen here and prohibit banks, businesses, and others from making money or economic resources available to those designated. However, that would require a separate Council decision under the EU’s legal procedures. Parliament’s resolution alone does not trigger those restrictions.
The distinction matters for readers trying to understand what has actually changed: lawmakers have increased political pressure for action, rather than imposed a new ban taking immediate effect across the bloc.
The resolution also stresses the need to protect Muslims from discrimination. Allegations about particular political networks should not be treated as findings against Muslim communities generally or as automatic proof that a named organization has committed a crime.
What happens next depends on the Commission, the Council, and national governments—including Cyprus—and whether specific measures meet the required legal tests.
*With information from EPP, Consilium
