Brussels, 20/04/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Union is currently drawing up a lexicon of politically correct language to describe terrorists who claim to act in the name of Islam. The idea came from the EU's new counter-terrorism strategy, adopted by the Justice and Internal Affairs Council in December (see EUROPE 9080) and later endorsed by the European Council (see EUROPE 9091). As part of efforts to combat radicalisation and terrorist recruitment, a paper from the Council says the 25 Member States have to do more to “correct unfair and incorrect perceptions of Islam and Muslims”. It also calls for EU officials to draw up a “non-emotive lexicon”, to “avoid linking Islam and terrorism”. This handbook, which is currently in preparation, is expected to be adopted by the JHA Council on 1st June. Drawing up a lexicon is not simply a political matter: above all, it is about respect and freedom of belief for a large number of European citizens, Commissioner Frattini's spokesman Friso Roscam Abbing told EUROPE on Thursday. The lexicon will mainly be used for public communication on terrorism and Islam. It is essential that journalists and even political officials are able to avoid all confusion when dealing with Islam, said Mr Roscam Abbing. He said it was extremely important to avoid the term “Islamic terrorist” and talk about “those who have an abusive interpretation of Islam”. Other words to avoid include: “Islamist”, “fundamentalist” and “Jihad”. For example, over the course of the last few years, the term “Jihad” has often been linked to terrorism, when it has generally positive connotations for Muslims since it means overcoming a personal struggle. In conclusion, Mr Roscam Abbing said that this was a new instrument which aims to avoid incitement to hatred.