Ramadan was a major topic for public discussion and the month-long holiday received heavy press coverage from print and broadcast media in all parts of Europe, a reflection of the rising influence of Islam across the continent.
The Dutch parliament has approved a motion to revoke a law that makes insulting God a crime. Free speech activists say the move represents a significant victory at a time when Muslim groups are stepping up pressure on European governments to criminalize the criticism of Islam and/or Mohammed.
Finland’s political map has been redrawn in the aftermath of parliamentary elections on April 17, when the nationalist True Finns Party won more votes than the governing party and now stands on the cusp of political power.
