Maqsoud Cruz, the Foreign Minister's Envoy for Countering Extremism and Terrorism, participated in a high-level exchange of views session at the European Parliament in Brussels. The discussions, attended by a number of Members of the European Parliament, their advisers, and committee representatives, focused on counter-extremism and counter-terrorism issues and their implications for security and societal stability.
Cruz presented the UAE's vision in the field of countering extremism and terrorism, explaining that extremism is, at its core, an ideology, while terrorism is a behaviour that results from that ideology — a distinction that makes intellectual, cultural, and social remedies an essential component of any effective counter-extremism strategy.
He affirmed that the UAE's approach is based on addressing the root causes of extremism, confronting hate speech and incitement, promoting the values of citizenship, tolerance, and coexistence, as well as protecting pluralism. The session drew broad engagement from the participating Members of the European Parliament.
A number of speakers stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation in confronting extremism and terrorism, and of exchanging expertise and best practices in the areas of extremism prevention and community protection. Interventions also addressed the challenges associated with the spread of hate speech and extremism through the digital sphere, and the role of educational and community institutions in promoting the values of coexistence and integration, with praise for experiences and initiatives aimed at fostering tolerance and social cohesion.