Brussels - Kuala Lumpur: Europe and the Arabs
Noureddine Tawil, President of the Council of Muslim Scholars in Belgium, addressed a message to European policymakers: “I am actively participating in the World Halal Summit 2025 in Malaysia, where 92 accreditation bodies and delegations from 47 countries will meet. I am reminded daily of the enormous opportunities Europe is missing out on. As President of the Council of Muslim Scholars in Belgium and a globally recognized religious advisor in the halal sector, I feel obligated to convey this message to you.” He added, in a statement we received, including the text of the message, "This summit, with its themes of integrity, sustainability, and resilience, proves that halal is a serious, unified, and innovative global industry. My role here is not only religious, but also strategic and economic: I am committed to serving as an ambassador for European interests and quality.
The Economic Reality: Billions and Growth
The global halal market is worth trillions of dollars. Europe could capture a much larger share. This is not a niche market, but an engine of growth, driven by:
1. The growing Muslim population globally and in Europe.
2. The growing demand for reliable, ethical, and high-quality products—the ones Europeans are known for.
The European Risk: We're Missing Opportunities
In my conversations with my international partners, I increasingly hear: "Where is Europe?" Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the UAE are setting the standards, and the rest of the Muslim world is following suit. Without clear European regulations and recognition, our premium European producers are losing their competitive edge. I communicate daily with European companies that are seizing these export opportunities, but are facing obstacles. Due to a lack of support and clarity.
My mission: Dispelling misconceptions
My work aims in part to correct the misconception that halal is limited to slaughter only. Halal is a comprehensive system of quality and compliance that ensures:
* Hygiene, traceability, and transparency.
* Animal welfare and ethical production.
* Consumer trust.
* These values ​​are fully compatible with European standards for food safety and consumer protection. Therefore, I call for halal to be considered synonymous with quality.
A Joint Call to Action
On behalf of the sector, I make an urgent appeal:
1. Recognition: Recognize the halal sector as a strategic economic pillar for Europe.
2. Cooperation: Work with us, religious leaders and standardization bodies, to establish clear European halal standards. This protects consumers and gives our businesses legal certainty.
3. Support: Facilitate and promote halal certification for European products. This is the best tool for promoting exports to future growth markets.
Conclusion
As a respected consultant who understands both religious requirements and European economic interests, I see my mission as building bridges. Europe has all the ingredients necessary to become a leader in the global halal market: luxury products, a reputation, Goodness and growing domestic demand. Let us work together to harness this potential for economic growth, innovation, and employment in Europe.
Nour Eddine Taouil, President of the Council of Muslim Scholars in Belgium and Religious Advisor for the Halal Sector, concluded by saying: “This email will be sent next week after the Halal Summit in Singapore, God willing, to all political parties. Praise be to God, multinational corporations have begun to exert pressure. For years, we have been working quietly, exerting gentle pressure, and clarifying Europe’s economic interests in the halal sector.”
The World Halal Summit 2025, currently being hosted by Malaysia, continues from September 16 to 26, with the participation of 92 accredited halal certification bodies and delegations from 47 countries.
The President of the Council of Muslim Scholars in Belgium is participating in the conference. In a written statement to the “Europe and Arabs” website, he said about his participation: “This global conference on halal standards in the Malaysian capital is organized by the Malaysian Islamic Development Agency (JAKIM) GHaS 2025 conference, and brings together global halal certification bodies, policymakers, researchers, and industry experts in a high-impact summit that aims to:
Advance the process of halal standards.” Excellence and innovation in halal standards, enhancing global cooperation in the halal field, promoting Sharia-compliant practices across various sectors, and participating in the dialogue shaping the future of halal around the world.