Turkey’s membership into the European Union came a step closer in December 2004 when agreement was reached to open formal talks with Ankara in a deal described by Tony Blair as proof that the 'clash of civilisations' idea was “wrong”. Whilst it could take up to 15 years before Turkey is able to join (and entry is not guaranteed) it would make Turkey the second largest country in Europe with its population of 72 million.

Muslims currently form a significant minority community within Europe. Europe continues to require further immigration to support its ageing population. Should Turkey join the EU, one in five Europeans will be a Muslim. The bulk of Europe's energy needs come from the Muslim world. Other than Russia, all of Europe borders the Muslim world.
For all the above reasons, Europe needs good relations with its Muslim citizens and the Muslim world. Much of the debate over how close Europe should be with the United States to the detriment of its Muslim neighbours and citizens is driven by these realities.

Iqbal Asaria will explore these unfolding realties and ask whether Muslims are ready to grasp these emerging opportunities and what they must do to capitalise on then.

Iqbal is a regular lecturer at the Islamic Foundation in Leicester. He is also active in the Muslim Council of Britain and has presented at their leadership development seminars. Iqbal is a member of the working party set up by the Governor of the Bank of England to look into issues relating to Islamic housing and finance products in the UK.

Iqbal is the founder and chairman of Webstar Plc and founder of the Salaam Portal, a leading on-line information resource for UK Muslims. He was also recipient of a CBE in this year's Queen's honours list.