EU member states adopted a declaration on rising violent extremism and terrorism in Europe

(Patria) – The rise of violent extremism in Europe is linked to the failure of migrants to integrate, according to a joint declaration by EU governments regarding recent terrorist attacks.

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer called the declaration (which is the result of a long and arduous debate) - 'a great sign of solidarity'.

After initial disagreements regarding the content of the proposed declaration, primarily supported by France, Austria, and Germany, references to Islam were removed from the original text, as was the demand for newcomers to learn the language of their new home and earn a living.

Representatives of the EU 27 emphasized the need to improve social cohesion in Europe as part of the response to terrorist attacks and murders in Paris, Dresden, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Nice, and Vienna.

'Integration is a two-way street – meaning that migrants are expected to make an active effort to become integrated, while assistance in this regard is also important,' the declaration states.

The mention of sanctions against those who fail to integrate was removed from the text of the declaration, published on the fifth anniversary of the attacks in Paris, and replaced with a milder warning to non-governmental organizations found to be in violation of the law.

- Organizations that do not act in accordance with relevant legislation, and that support content contrary to fundamental rights and freedoms, should not be supported by public funds, either at the national or European level, the declaration states, adding that 'undesired foreign influence of national civil and religious organizations through non-transparent funding' should be limited.

The declaration also states that the EU should 'promote religious education and training – within the EU – in accordance with fundamental European rights and values'.

The initial draft of the declaration provoked reactions from the governments of the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Italy, and Luxembourg due to the linking of counter-terrorism with migration and the focus on 'Islamism', writes the British portal The Guardian. This was also pointed out by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at a joint press conference with the French President and the Chancellors of Austria and Germany.

The declaration was later expanded to emphasize the problems of the rise of right-wing movements, as well as Islamist terrorism.