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MEPs have called for the immediate reappointment of the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU.
They say it is urgent this is done as the position, they say, has been left vacant since December 2024.
The demand comes in the wake of the recent United Nations International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
Senior MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen said: “The Commission must urgently fill the post of EU Special Envoy and make every cooperation agreement with third countries conditional on their commitment to respecting freedom of belief.”
His colleague Carlo Fidanza agrees with his sentiments.
She said: “We remember all those who are still persecuted — and all too often killed — for their faith.
“Millions of people worldwide, many of them Christians, are being violated, executed or murdered simply for refusing to submit to political totalitarianism, religious nationalism or Islamist extremism.”
Criticising the delay despite what they say was EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s written pledge on 5 May 2025 to renew the position, Ruissen stressed, “We welcome President von der Leyen’s commitment, but what we need now is concrete action.”
He adds, “The longer this post remains vacant, the more the EU’s credibility suffers in its efforts to stand up for freedom of belief.”
Fidanza concluded, “Every day without a Special Envoy is a missed opportunity to defend those suffering for their faith. Europe must show that it takes its promises seriously – words are not enough.”
Both are ECR MEPs.
Ruissen is Co-Chair of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Freedom of Religion, Belief and Conscience and Fidanza is Vice-Chair of the same Intergroup.
