After the beginning of Syrian war in 2011, rise of ISIS and continuing sectarian violence in Iraq and Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan, million of refugees fled their countries. The main destination was the European Union and the famous Angela Merkel’s open-door policy, “Wir schaffen das” (“We can do this”), was a great justification for not only people, who were actually suffering from the repressions of the regimes in their states or the consequences of wars but also for some radical Islamists to spread their ideology across nations.
The rise of radical Islamism was coming not only from the Middle East refugees; nowadays, more and more cases are involving migrants from Islam-influenced countries of the African continent: Algeria, Mali, Sudan, Tunisia, and Libya.
In case of the EU, different countries are adopting different policies for Islamist migrants and refugees.
Germany has seen an influx of migrants and refugees, particularly after 2015 during the European migrant crisis. While the majority integrate peacefully, a small minority harbor or develop extremist ideologies. While Germany is trying to deport individuals to countries where they came from (in case they are making a serious threat to the state), some migrants lack valid identification, making it difficult to confirm their country of origin. At the same time, certain countries, like Syria or Afghanistan, may refuse to accept deportees or lack diplomatic agreements with Germany.
Nevertheless, Germany is trying to sign more agreements with the countries where some radical Islamist migrants are coming from (like Tunisia and Morocco, for instance). Recently Germany resumed deportations to Afghanistan, repatriating 28 Afghans, all convicted criminals, marking the first such action since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Germany was one of the initiators of the joint actions against the spread of radical Islamism in the EU. In October 2024, a group of 17 European countries called for a “paradigm shift” to enhance the deportation of rejected asylum seekers, emphasizing the need for more efficient return procedures.
France is another country that is heavily suffering from the growth of radical Islamism. It has implemented a series of measures to deport individuals who are spreading radical Islamism. Authorities have dissolved both extreme-right and radical Islamist groups to curb the spread of extremist ideologies. In 2023, the Interior Ministry reported expelling 44 individuals linked to radical Islam, marking a significant increase from previous years.
However, difficult cases started to appear in recent years.
One of the Algerian migrants, who leads TikTok, called for “radical” actions. The French authorities tried to deport him; however, they couldn’t do it as Algeria refused to accept this man. Currently he is located in the deportation prison, and one of the main problems that is France and some other EU countries are facing right now is the problem of getting rid of people who already constitute a serious threat to the state. Nevertheless, there is no mechanism, and the French government also cannot solve that issue with the current juridical instruments, therefore, most likely, Algerian migrants will stay in France. At the same time, French authorities are naturally obligated to respect human rights (in the context of these types of prisoners); he will be fed and treated (if it will be necessary).
This Algerian migrant is not the only one in France who was doing this type of activity on TikTok. Several other bloggers from Algeria were also arrested, and there is no procedure for them all.
Spain is facing similar problems in case of Islamist migrants, however, there were some notable cases:
A Moroccan national and Muslim activist, Mohamed Said Badaoui was deported from Spain for alleged ties to radical individuals linked to terrorism and for disseminating pro-jihadist content.
A Moroccan national and director of the Catalan Center for Islamic Studies, Ziani was involved in promoting the integration of Muslims in Catalonia. In 2013, Spanish authorities deported Ziani to Morocco, accusing him of espionage and activities against national security. The case was controversial, with some viewing it as politically motivated due to tensions between the Spanish central government and Catalan independence movements.
In November 2024, Spanish National Police arrested ten suspected jihadists in two separate operations. The most recent operation, conducted in collaboration with Moroccan security services, led to the dismantling of a terrorist cell linked to the Islamic State in the Sahel, resulting in eight arrests in Ceuta, Madrid, Ibiza, Tetouan, and Castillejos. These individuals were involved in indoctrination meetings and planning terrorist acts.
In November 2024, Spanish National Police arrested ten suspected jihadists in two separate operations. The most recent operation, conducted in collaboration with Moroccan security services, led to the dismantling of a terrorist cell linked to the Islamic State in the Sahel, resulting in eight arrests in Ceuta, Madrid, Ibiza, Tetouan, and Castillejos. These individuals were involved in indoctrination meetings and planning terrorist acts.
The Danish government has enacted laws to facilitate the deportation of individuals associated with extremist ideologies, aiming to protect national security.
Conclusion
The future of radical Islamism is uncertain. Ongoing migration, particularly from regions affected by instability, may continue to bring diverse Muslim populations to Europe. However, EU countries might implement robust counter-terrorism measures that would lower the number of cases with radical Islamism. However, lack of integration and socio-economic opportunities can perpetuate cycles of radicalization. If EU countries will not implement stricter migration policies and won’t build special integration programs, cycles of radicalisation can perpetuate. The process of “aging” populations and rising conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia will lead to the continuation of the process of illegal migration and the rise of radical Islamism.
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