Europa - Newsletter *Official communication about Cartoon Controversy*

Cartoon controversy: EU condemns violence and calls for dialogue

Following the attacks on European diplomatic missions and other facilities in the context of the violent protests in the Middle East against certain cartoons published in European media, the Austrian Presidency, the Commission and the Member States condemned the violence perpetrated in the strongest possible terms. The Commission fully supported the European Union reactions and the solidarity with the Member States concerned coordinated by the Austrian Presidency on the basis of consultations with the Member States and the Commission. Vis-à-vis the threats of trade boycotts against Danish goods, the Commission recalled that a boycott of Danish goods is by definition a boycott of European goods. A boycott is not the appropriate way to address the issue. It is damaging to all parties.
The Commission said that it is aware that the publication of the cartoons in European media has aggrieved many Muslims all over the world. But no grievance, be it perceived or real, justifies acts of violence. The European Union and its Member States apply the principle of the freedom of speech which is part of their values and traditions. Governments or other public authorities do not prescribe or authorize the opinions expressed by individuals. Conversely, the opinions expressed by individuals engage these individuals, and only them. They do not engage a country, a people, a religion. The Commission recalled that the freedom of speech is the basis not only of the possibility to express an opinion, e.g. to publish said cartoons. It is also the basis of the possibility to rebut an opinion, e.g. to criticize said cartoons. Insofar as an opinion goes beyond what is legal under the freedom of speech, e.g. when incites hatred or violence, the legal systems of the Member States of the European Union offer all means of redress necessary and appropriate.
The Commission underlined that Muslim citizens of the Member States of the European Union and of other countries know that the European Union and its Member States respect Islam. All Member States of the European Union grant freedom of religion, allowing Muslim citizens to practise their faith in the same way as they allow the adherents of other religions and convictions to practise theirs. The European Union and its Member States have for a long time been engaged in dialogue with Europe’s Muslim communities, and are major trade partners, investors and aid donors of most Muslim countries.
The Commission acknowledged that the overwhelming majority of Muslims, whilst maintaining their criticism of the cartoons, have clearly distanced themselves from such violence. Incidentally, the violent nature of a protest suggests that such it is staged or exploited for political purposes other than the call for respect between cultures and religions, the call for respect and the use of violence being mutually exclusive.
The Commission emphasized that it is through a vigorous but peaceful dialogue of opinions under the protection of the freedom of expression that mutual understanding can be deepened and mutual respect can be built. It called on political and religious leaders to use their influence to bring a return to such a peaceful dialogue.

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