The European Union (EU) has issued a statement strongly condemning the recent Quran burning incident that took place in Sweden. The EU described the act as offensive, disrespectful, and a clear act of provocation.

The desecration of the Holy Quran was organized by an Iraqi resident in Sweden and was held in front of a mosque in Stockholm

The EU statement came hours after the OIC called a conference on the vile act authorized by a Swedish court and police.

In its statement, the EU expressed its strong rejection of the Quran burning, emphasizing that it does not reflect the opinions of the European Union.

The EU affirmed that “manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance” have no place in Europe. The act was deemed even more offensive as it coincided with the celebration of the major Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha.

The EU reaffirmed its commitment to upholding freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, both within its member states and internationally.

The statement emphasized the importance of standing together for mutual understanding and respect, urging all parties involved to prevent any further escalation, reported

The incident has prompted the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene an emergency meeting of its executive committee to address the consequences of the Quran burning.

Numerous Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East and beyond have already denounced the act, recalling their ambassadors from Sweden and summoning the Swedish envoys to their respective countries for reprimand.

The EU also condemned the storming of the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, by a group of angry protesters who were reacting to the desecration of the Holy Quran.

In fact, the EU statement on Saturday opened with the condemnation of the attack against the diplomatic mission.

Meanwhile, the Swedish government rejected the Islamophobic act committed by the individual in the country, the embassy tweeted on Saturday.

“This act in no way reflects the opinions of the Swedish government.”