EU relations with Islam in the context of the EMP’s cultural dialogue

Abstract:
Starting from the awareness that Islam is both an internal and an external crucial factor the EU has come to deal with at the turn of the century, this article examines recent EU attitudes and initiatives towards Islam and Muslims with a focus on the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EMP). In this context, particular attention is given to the increased international concern with the development of its third basket, the one devoted to cultural and social exchanges across the Euro-Mediterranean space.