London: The EU has reiterated its vehement opposition to inciting religious hatred and intolerance in any way.

It stated that respect for diversity, which includes respect for other religious communities, was a fundamental value of the organisation.

The declaration was made a few days after a protester in Sweden desecrated the Qur'an.

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The bloc emphasised that it was offensive, disrespectful, and flagrantly provocative to burn any book regarded as sacred. The EU, it continued, was a place where racism, xenophobia, and intolerance had no place.

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"We continue to stand up for freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, both domestically and internationally, but not everything that is legal is ethical," the statement read.

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"Now is the time to unite in support of respect and understanding between all parties. Individual provocateurs' actions only serve the interests of those who want to splinter us and our societies.