Criticism of Islam

In a move drawing attention across Europe, Bulgaria's pro-Russian, Eurosceptic, and nationalist "Revival" (Vazrazhdane) party is set to host a conference in Sofia, titled "The New Leaders of Europe." Gathering representatives from nine countries, the event aims to unite nationalist parties under a common banner and shape the future political landscape of the continent.

Minister for Climate and the Environment Annika Strandhll and the president of the federal board of the women's faction of the Social Democrats, told the newspaper "Svenska dagbladet" (The Swedish Daily News) that the women's faction opposes joining NATO. That faction has a "long history of fighting for issues related to peace, disarmament, detente and non-entry into military alliances".

In this Dec. 2, 2018 photo, Spain's far-right Vox Party President Santiago Abascal (C), with the general secretary, Javier Ortega (L), and regional candidate Francisco Serrano take part in a rally during regional elections in Seville.

Controversial anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders late Thursday said he was cancelling plans to stage a Prophet Mohammad cartoon competition, a scheme that had angered many Muslims particularly in Pakistan.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned an Afghanistan suicide attack on June 4 that targeted a gathering of more than 2,000 Muslim scholars. 

Four people believed to belong to the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) have been arrested in Spain, according to Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido, El Pais reported.

France, still on alert against militant Islamist attacks, paid tribute on Monday to 130 people killed when gunmen and suicide bombers attacked Paris two years ago, Reuters reported. 

Czech President Milos Zeman has again warned that victory over Islamic State in the Middle East could provoke "metastases of terrorism in Europe."

Zeman also assessed that Islamic terrorism could create its own European base in Bosnia - as black flags of Islamic State already fly there, Beta reported on Friday.

Turkey's foreign ministry has issued a disgruntled official stance against Germany and Austria, the DHA news agency reported. It highlights the "unacceptable election campaigns of politicians in both countries - against Turkey, on the grounds of blocking the process of EU accession."

A confidential report drafted by the Greek Police (ELAS) and seen by Kathimerini reveals that more than 80 makeshift mosques in the broader Athens area have come under surveillance.