As of 2025, Europe’s Muslim population is estimated at approximately 46 million, representing about 6% of the continent’s total population of around 745 million. This figure marks a steady increase from earlier decades, driven primarily by immigration and higher fertility rates among Muslim communities, though growth has moderated in recent years.
Current Demographics
Reliable estimates, drawing from sources like Pew Research Center extrapolations and national data, place the Muslim population in broader Europe (including Russia and the Balkans) at 45-46 million. Key countries with the largest Muslim communities include:
- Russia: Around 16 million (11% of its population), largely indigenous groups in regions like the Caucasus and Volga.
- France: 6-7 million (9-10%).
- Germany: 5-6 million (6-7%).
- United Kingdom: 4-5 million (6-7%).
- Other notable concentrations: Bosnia and Herzegovina (over 50%), Albania (around 46-50%), and smaller but growing communities in Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Muslim populations are unevenly distributed, with higher concentrations in Western Europe due to post-World War II labor migration, family reunification, and recent refugee inflows. Indigenous Muslim communities in the Balkans and Russia contrast with immigrant-majority groups in the West, originating mainly from Turkey, North Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.
Growth factors include:
- Immigration: Accounting for 50-60% of recent increases.
- Fertility: Muslim women in Europe have a total fertility rate (TFR) of about 2.6, compared to 1.6 for non-Muslims, though this gap is narrowing as second- and third-generation immigrants adopt local norms.
Projections vary by migration scenarios. Even with zero future migration, natural growth could push the share to 7-8% by 2050; medium migration scenarios suggest 11-12%, while high migration could reach 14%.
Integration Challenges
Despite comprising a small minority, Muslim integration remains a contentious issue across Europe. Challenges include:
- Discrimination and Islamophobia: Surveys by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights highlight persistent anti-Muslim bias in employment, housing, and public services. Many Muslims report feeling marginalized, contributing to social withdrawal.
- Socioeconomic Disparities: Higher unemployment and lower educational attainment in some communities fuel debates about “parallel societies,” particularly in urban areas with concentrated immigrant populations.
- Cultural and Political Tensions: Issues like religious accommodations (e.g., halal food, prayer spaces, or veiling) clash with secular traditions in countries like France. Rising far-right rhetoric often frames Muslim growth as a cultural threat.
- Security Concerns: While the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful, extremist incidents have heightened scrutiny, leading to policies targeting radicalization.
Success stories exist: Many second-generation Muslims are well-integrated, with high participation in education and professions. Countries like the UK and Germany have seen intergenerational progress, though gaps persist.
Influence of Groups like the Muslim Brotherhood
Recent reports, particularly from France and Germany in 2025, have raised alarms about the Muslim Brotherhood’s activities. A French government inquiry described the group as pursuing “subtle” entryism— infiltrating institutions through mosques, schools, and associations to promote Islamist ideologies without overt violence. Affiliates reportedly control or influence hundreds of sites, focusing on community organizing and lobbying.
Similar concerns in Germany involve networks tied to political Islam. Critics argue these groups encourage separatism, though proponents see them as legitimate representatives combating discrimination. EU-level discussions have emerged about funding transparency and potential bans, but no continent-wide action has been taken.
These reports emphasize that the Brotherhood’s influence is limited (affecting a fraction of mosques) but strategic, shifting focus to Europe amid declining sway in the Middle East.
Looking Ahead
Europe’s Muslim population is growing but remains a minority, with future size heavily dependent on migration policies amid aging native populations and low birth rates. Successful integration requires addressing discrimination, promoting economic inclusion, and fostering dialogue. Alarmist narratives of “takeover” are unsubstantiated by data, as even high-projection scenarios keep Muslims below 15% by mid-century.
Balanced policies—combating extremism while protecting rights—will shape whether diversity strengthens or divides European societies. Ongoing demographic shifts underscore the need for inclusive approaches in an increasingly multicultural continent.