On 27 March 2024, the Intercultural Institute of Timisoara, in partnership with the Faculty of Sociology and Psychology of the West University of Timisoara, organised a public conference of Massimo Cozzolino, representative of the Euro-Islam Association, Secretary General of the Islamic Confederation of Italy, but also a European expert and academic specialised in security of religious places, combating radicalisation and promoting intercultural dialogue.
The conference was moderated by Calin Rus, Director of the Intercultural Institute of Timisoara. The opening intervention was made by Marius Matichescu, Dean of the Faculty of Sociology and Psychology and expert on migration. The panel also included Silviu Rogobete, Head of the Doctoral School of Philosophy, Sociology and Political Science of West University of Timisoara.
Massimo Cozzolino presented experiences of inter-religious cooperation from Italy, including those developed in the context of the EU-funded project SHIELD, illustrating the importance of seeing the Muslim communities in Europe as part of the European society.
It was emphasised also that the equal treatment by authorities, as well as various initiatives of cooperation and contact between the Muslim communities and the rest of the population can contribute in preventing radicalisation and in overcoming the negative stereotypes on both sides. The interventions from the panel were followed by an engaging debate with members of the audience. The event was concluded with an invitation of all attendees to the first public iftar meal that took place in Timisoara.
