Statement came days after the Qur’an was desecrated by a protester in Sweden LONDON: The EU has reaffirmed its strong rejection of any form of incitement to religious hatred and intolerance. It said that respect for diversity was a core value of the organization, including respect for other religious communities. The statement came days after the Qur’an was desecrated by a protester in Sweden. The bloc stressed that the burning of any book considered holy was offensive, disrespectful, and a blatant provocation. It added that racism, xenophobia, and intolerance had no place in the EU. The statement said: “We continue to stand up for freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, abroad and at home; but not everything that is legal is ethical. “Now is the time to stand together for mutual understanding and respect. These acts committed by individual provocateurs only benefit those who want to divide us and our societies.”