On the occasion of the United Nations International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence

Based on Religion or Belief, ECR MEPs Bert-Jan Ruissen (Co-Chair of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Freedom of Religion, Belief and Conscience) and Carlo Fidanza (Vice-Chair of the Intergroup) urged the European Commission to immediately reappoint the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU, a position left vacant since December 2024.

Bert-Jan Ruissen said:

“This is a day for reflection, but also for action. 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.”

Carlo Fidanza said:

“Today, 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 Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s written pledge on 5 May 2025 to renew the position, Bert-Jan Ruissen stressed:

“We welcome President von der Leyen’s commitment, but what we need now is concrete action. The longer this post remains vacant, the more the EU’s credibility suffers in its efforts to stand up for freedom of belief.”

Carlo 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.”