The European Union has yet again paid lip service over the rise in anti-Islam bigotry on the continent.

In a statement the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the desecration of the Qur’an, saying such acts against any book considered holy, is offensive, disrespectful and a clear provocation. He reiterated their strong and determined rejection of any form of incitement to religious hatred and intolerance.

However, Borrell admits that not everything that is legal is ethical. It comes as the burning of the Qur’an in Sweden and Denmark is being done under the guise of freedom of expression.

Iraq which kicked out the Swedish ambassador has demanded that these acts of sacrilege be criminalised alongside racism. Borrell claims these anti-Islam acts are being committed by individuals. But political and social commentator have noted that the anti-Islam sentiments is also being fuelled by some government’s through polices.