For two days,we had a taste of being a European MP through the winding alleys of the ministry of Human rights and transitional democracy, Tunis , Tunisia. A unique opportunity to show that Tunisians can understand and deal with European matters as neutral, knowledgeable and effective MPs. Far from cliche , political and or religious background influences,young men and women gathered to handle what some would think that it might cross the limits of what is politically correct in a newly born democracy. I have been an MP from the conservative and reformist party, I have been in the skin of a British citizen/MP defending European values, identity, unity and diversity. The main issue was whether or not pass a law to ban the Burqa all over Europe as some countries already passed it or still wait for banning it, just like both of France and Belgium did. We had to express our concerns, speak out about our opinions and as any good politician's reflex , we heavily practised the magic L: lobbying. The initiative was taken by the ATEMJ to discuss controversial topics howling currently in Europe.

Two days of sharing,pondering, negotiating and progressing.I loved the experience as we had to discus the Burqa ban, and we concluded that it was not about the Burqa itself as a Islamic garment, what was discussed did not focus on the Burqa as sign of submission for Muslim women ,not as a tarnishing image of Islam and certainly not a way to point at the Muslim community living in Europe. We believe that it should be among European parliament imperatives to enhance cross-cultural communication , to teach cultural differences understanding , and to address issues without falling into the trap of using religion or minorities as scapegoats. Thank you Europe of freedom and human rights. Thank you young Tunisians for sending a wake up call to Europe . It is high time for Europeans to fully understand their neighbors from across the Mediterranean in order to understand those living in Europe itself.