Sweden Cuts Islamic Relief Funding to Zero

Sweden has officially stopped all taxpayer-funded grants to the aid organization Islamic Relief Sweden (IRS) following concerns that individuals within the group may have links to anti-democratic or violent activities. Over the past decade, the organization had received nearly 1.3 billion kronor (€121.2 million) from Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. 

In 2024 alone, IRS received 191 million kronor (€17.8 million), which accounted for almost 70% of its total revenue from public funds and private fundraising.

Sida confirmed that the organization does not meet the criteria ensuring there are no ties to violent extremism or anti-democratic behavior. “Since the government’s guidance clearly states that such connections are not compatible with support under these strategies, Islamic Relief Sweden has had its applications rejected within the framework of the partner selection processes for the CSO and HUM strategies,” explained Inga-Lill Hagberg, press secretary at Sida.

The suspected links were identified in a review by the Centre Against Violent Extremism (CVE), which found that individuals connected to IRS or its networks had or previously had connections to “violent extremism or anti-democratic environments,” including links to the United Islamic Associations in Sweden (FIFS) and the Islamic Association in Sweden (IFIS). Some of these links were through relatives. 

IRS strongly rejected the allegations, describing itself as a politically independent humanitarian organization. “Islamic Relief has no links to any external political groups. We are a humanitarian actor, and our main mission is to reduce suffering, promote social justice, and support sustainable global development. We will continue this work as long as the need exists,” the organization stated in a press release.

The decision drew strong praise from the right-wing Sweden Democrats. MEP Charlie Weimers described it on X as a “great success in the fight against Islamism.” “In Brussels, the work continues to stop EU funds for organizations like Islamic Relief,” he said. Party leader Jimmy Åkesson added that the funding freeze is “a victory for Sweden and a clear signal of how we will continue to work on these issues. Not a single krona of Swedish taxpayers’ money should go to Islamist organisations.” He criticized previous Social Democratic governments, claiming that under Magdalena Andersson’s “weak” leadership, Islamic Relief was allowed to collect hundreds of millions in public funds.

The move comes amid broader European scrutiny of Islamist-linked organizations. A report by the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) revealed that EU institutions have channeled millions of euros to groups associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, including Islamic Relief Worldwide, which received over €40 million since 2007. The report highlighted concerns that EU funds have been used to advance political agendas under the guise of social inclusion programs.