Assita Kanko wants the European integration plan to call political Islam by that name

MEP Assita Kanko is reacting with concern to the action plan for integration and inclusion proposed by European Commissioners Schinas and Johansson on Wednesday. The plan makes no mention of political Islam. “Today, many European countries have a problem with Islamism and radicalisation. How can we tackle a problem if we don’t name it?”

On Wednesday, European Commissioners Schinas and Johansson presented the European Commission’s action plan on Integration and Inclusion. The plan includes four main areas: education, employment, housing and health. The action plan on Integration and Inclusion is linked to the new Pact on Asylum and Migration. In an interview recently conducted by Commissioner Johansson, she says the action plan will not contain language about “political Islam”.

Problems with Islamism and radicalisation

MEP Assita Kanko, a Member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, reacts with concern. How can we tackle a problem if we don’t name it? I have always argued for an honest and open debate. We cannot avoid our challenges, we have to face them. Today, many European countries have a problem with Islamism and radicalisation. The failure of European integration policy has led to serious challenges for our security. “

Learning the local language is not mandatory

It is also reported that the plan does not go so far as to require migrants to learn the local languages. Language is nevertheless essential for integration, Assita Kanko responds. “By learning the language, you can identify and seize more opportunities and treat your adopted country as your home. That’s what I did, too. How can you integrate, get involved in the community as a whole and make the way of life your own if you don’t understand the news, don’t participate economically and don’t interact with people outside your own community?”

Don’t forget oppressed women

The Commission indicates that employment will be its priority. According to MEP Assita Kanko, the recognition of skills and professional qualifications is important in order to fill skills shortages in our national labour markets. “Aside from stricter surveillance of our external borders and an effective return policy, we must also work on legal migration. An essential part of any integration strategy is to encourage migrants to play an active and contributing role in the economy. However, having a job is no substitute for living out our values. And the Commission must not forget the oppressed women. Some women are not even allowed to leave their homes for religious reasons. Integration policies must take this into account.”

European Commission too politically correct

Commissioner Johansson has said that “it takes two to tango” regarding integration, and that national Member States must also play their part. Many elements of integration are indeed within the competence of national governments, Assita Kanko understands. “I hope that the Member States can honestly acknowledge problems themselves, because the European Commission is too politically correct to say this. More needs to be done to tackle the effects of political Islam in our cities and villages. We must deal with the negative consequences of this extreme political and religious ideology. Any ideology that can lead to the oppression of women, the radicalisation of young people and divided communities has no place in Europe or Flanders.”