On August 18, 2025, the European Commission addressed attacks from far-right political factions regarding the allocation of EU research funds to topics related to Islam, including the Qur’an, Sharia law, and Islamophobia. The controversy was notably propelled by Italian MEP Silvia Sardone, who labeled these projects as “studies of questionable utility,” questioning the justification for public funding. French MEP Jean-Paul Garraud echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the projects not only promoted Islam but also exaggerated the prevalence of Islamophobia in Europe.
In response, EU Commissioner for Research, Ekaterina Zaharieva, defended the European Research Council (ERC), reiterating the high academic standards associated with the funded projects. She emphasized their role in expanding knowledge across multiple domains, including the inclusion of minorities in democratic societies and the evolution of Islamic law. Zaharieva pointed out that many of these projects, such as a €2.5 million initiative mapping the development of Sharia law, are pivotal to understanding contemporary societal issues.
Examples of ERC-funded projects illustrate the breadth of research undertaken. One notable project, coordinated by Istanbul Bilgi University, received €2.3 million to explore rising populist and Islamophobic discourse in Europe. At Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, researchers investigated the significance of animals in Islamic philosophy, receiving €2.3 million in funding. Additionally, Oxford University has been studying the experiences of Muslim youth in Europe and the UK through a €2.7 million project, highlighting the diverse focus of funded research.
The Commission firmly rejected claims of bias in the ERC’s funding process. Zaharieva pointed out that rigorous independent peer reviews are conducted to assess proposals, ensuring that funding is awarded based solely on scientific excellence. This process, she explained, is transparent and highly competitive, with all projects undergoing thorough ethics reviews before receiving approval for funding.
Since its inception in 2007, the ERC has significantly contributed to scientific advancement, supporting over 17,000 projects and 10,000 researchers in various fields such as engineering, life sciences, and social sciences. The impact of this work is substantial, encompassing over 200,000 scientific publications and numerous patents and accolades, including fourteen Nobel Prizes and other prestigious awards. Such achievements underscore the ERC’s integral role in fostering innovative research within Europe.
In summary, the European Commission’s defense of its funding allocation for projects related to Islam comes at a time of heightened scrutiny from far-right politicians. By emphasizing the academic excellence and societal value of this research, the Commission aims to counteract narratives that frame these studies as biased or irrelevant. The ERC’s commitment to scientific rigor and transparency remains a cornerstone of its funding strategy, reinforcing the importance of diverse academic inquiry in addressing contemporary societal dynamics.
