The Muslim Brotherhood’s European Shift – What You Need to Know

The Muslim Brotherhood Europe threat has moved from a fringe concern to a central security debate across the continent. In just the first three months of 2026, both the French National Assembly and the Dutch House of Representatives have taken formal steps to confront the organization’s influence, citing concerns about democratic subversion and ties to extremism.

Why Is the Muslim Brotherhood Moving to Europe?

As pressure mounts in the Middle East—with Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE already designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization—the group has increasingly shifted its operational focus toward Europe . Recent intelligence reports indicate that senior Brotherhood figures are dismantling and selling real estate properties across Europe, moving funds through legitimate-seeming commercial mechanisms to countries in East Asia, including China, Indonesia, India, and Malaysia.

This strategic relocation reflects what analysts call a "100-year plan" to entrench the organization within Western democratic institutions—exploiting the very freedoms of liberal societies to advance an Islamist agenda . The group presents itself through youth movements, social organizations, and charities while allegedly working toward what Western intelligence describes as "bottom-up Islamization".

How Does the Muslim Brotherhood Threaten European Security?

European security services view the Muslim Brotherhood as an ideological and subversive threat rather than an immediate violent one. A French government report published in 2025 warned of the Brotherhood’s "subtle, long-term infiltration" designed to subvert democratic societies from within . The report estimated the group has a dedicated following of a "few hundred members in France" but noted the broader network poses risks to national cohesion and republican institutions.

The threat manifests through the creation of parallel societal structures that challenge core European values. Security agencies warn that the Brotherhood aims to establish an "Islamic caliphate through peaceful means," though some analysts note the organization leaves room for violence if it serves its goals . The group maintains ties to Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the EU and the United States.

What Countries Have Banned the Muslim Brotherhood?

The Muslim Brotherhood is already banned or designated as a terrorist organization in multiple countries. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Russia, and Jordan have all taken restrictive measures against the group . The United States, under President Trump, designated three Muslim Brotherhood branches—in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt—as terrorist organizations in January 2026, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating the designations reflect "an ongoing, sustained effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood chapters' violence and destabilization".

In Europe, the situation is more complex. While the group is not yet on the EU-wide terrorist list, France and the Netherlands have now taken formal parliamentary steps toward that goal. The French resolution passed with 157 votes in favor and 101 against, while the Dutch motion received 76 votes . Other European countries, including Austria, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden, have increased scrutiny of Brotherhood-linked organizations but have not yet moved toward bans.

Is the Muslim Brotherhood a Terrorist Organization in the EU?

Currently, the Muslim Brotherhood is not listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union. However, this is actively being challenged. On February 3, 2026, nineteen members of the European Parliament submitted a formal written question to the European Commission, asking whether the political and factual conditions now exist to add the Muslim Brotherhood to the EU terrorist list following the French National Assembly's resolution.

The European Commission has previously stated that it relies on information provided by Member States and refers matters back to them. The parliamentarians are pressing for a formal answer on whether the Commission intends to submit a proposal to the Council for inclusion . The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group has pledged to support steps in the European Parliament to advance this initiative, including calling for a debate and parliamentary resolution.

However, efforts at the EU level have stalled, with lawmakers earlier in 2026 rejecting a proposal to begin a formal assessment, citing legal and political concerns . This reflects broader divisions among member states over how to respond to the Brotherhood.

With 157 votes against 101, France’s Parliament just passed a resolution calling on the EU to terror-list the Muslim Brotherhood & ban them in Europe.

The Muslim Brotherhood must also be evicted from its other strongholds in Tunisia, Sudan, Qatar & Turkey pic.twitter.com/ljkX4l0G4m

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 25, 2026

How Is Qatar Funding the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe?

According to a February 2026 report from Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, Qatar and Turkey are the primary foreign funders of Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated networks in Europe . The report alleges that over the past decade, the EU has provided more than €40 million to Islamic Relief Worldwide, an organization allegedly tied to the Muslim Brotherhood . Despite presenting itself as a humanitarian charity, the report claims the organization has promoted antisemitic and anti-Western content.

Specific organizations cited include the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organizations (FEMYSO), which a 2025 French intelligence report identified as a "training platform for potential senior figures in the Muslim Brotherhood." Since 2016, FEMYSO has reportedly received more than €1 million annually from Qatar . The European Institute of Human Sciences (IESH), previously headed by the late Sheikh al-Qaradawi, has received millions of dollars in donations from Qatar since 2007.

Which European Countries Have the Strongest Muslim Brotherhood Presence?

Intelligence reports identify the Brotherhood’s strongest European presence in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Spain . The Israeli ministry’s report names Sweden, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland as countries where Brotherhood-linked organizations operate .

In Britain, the charity Interpal—designated by the United States as a terrorist organization—has been cited as a key node in the Brotherhood’s European network, raising millions of pounds in donations before its designation . The group operates through what analysts describe as a "loose network of affiliated organizations," making it difficult to track and counter.

Where Is the Muslim Brotherhood Moving Its Assets?

In response to growing European pressure, senior Muslim Brotherhood figures have been dismantling and selling real estate properties across Europe in recent months. According to Arab media reports cited by intelligence agencies, funds are being transferred through commercial mechanisms that appear legitimate—using import-export companies or individuals not organizationally connected to the movement .

The capital is reportedly moving to countries in East Asia, including China, Indonesia, India, and Malaysia, as well as several nations in Africa. One mechanism involves importing goods such as clothing, food, and electronics, then freezing transactions and closing the companies afterward . Meanwhile, power struggles over financial resources have reportedly reached courts in Turkey, with mutual fraud allegations among senior figures.

FAQs

Why is the Muslim Brotherhood moving its operations to Europe?

The Muslim Brotherhood is shifting focus to Europe due to increased pressure in the Middle East, where countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have designated it a terrorist organization. Europe’s more permissive legal environment allows the group to operate through charities and social organizations while pursuing its long-term ideological goals.

Is the Muslim Brotherhood banned in the Netherlands?

The Dutch House of Representatives adopted a motion in March 2026 calling for a ban on the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliated organizations. However, the motion requires executive action by the Dutch government to become law. The vote signals political momentum but is not yet a binding ban.

How is the Muslim Brotherhood different from Hamas?

The Muslim Brotherhood is a broader Islamist movement founded in Egypt in 1928, while Hamas began as its Palestinian offshoot. Although they share ideology and maintain ties, they are distinct organizations. Hamas is already designated as a terrorist organization by the EU and the US, while the Muslim Brotherhood is not yet on the EU terrorist list.

What is the Muslim Brotherhood’s plan for Europe?

According to Western intelligence reports, the Muslim Brotherhood pursues a "bottom-up Islamization" strategy—gradually reshaping European societies through youth movements, charities, and political engagement rather than violence. The group aims to gain political legitimacy and push for legislative changes that accommodate special religious rights.

Will the EU list the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization?

This remains uncertain. While France and the Netherlands have called for listing, EU-level efforts have stalled due to legal and political divisions among member states. The European Commission has not yet indicated whether it will submit a formal proposal to the Council.