Religious Freedom and the Neutrality of the State The Position of Islam in the European Union

Abstract

The title of the international congress held in Leiden from 14 to 16 December 2000, 'Religious Freedom and the Neutrality of the State: The Position of Islam in the European Union', can be said to indicate a challenge. Although all member states of the European Union state the principles of religious freedom and non-discrimination in their constitutions, neutrality appears to be a paradoxical concept. A group of 35 scholars from 11 countries of the European Union discussed the recent developments regarding the position of Islam within the current national legislations, political structures and public discourses in the European Union.