Extremism and intolerance threaten the social integration in the European Union according to EU Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans. Growing Anti-semitism, Islamophobia and homophobia are serious risks, the Dutch politician said during a visit to the Latvian capital Riga. Some even questioned the status of women, he warned. All this is “not acceptable”. Europe must strengthen the rule of law. “We have nothing else.”
When Jews no longer feel at home in Europe, Europe is at the end, Timmermans, who is responsible as European Commissioner for the rule of law matters and relations between institutions said. The same is true for Muslims and other minorities. If homosexuals have the feeling they must hide, then “Europe has no future”. Timmermans spoke at a meeting of EU parliamentarians in Riga. Latvia holds the EU presidency since the beginning of the year.
