The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group welcomes the appointment of a new EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the European Union, following a prolonged vacancy that had weakened the EU’s credibility on this issue. Across the world, millions continue to face persecution on the basis of their religion or belief, with Christians among the most targeted in many regions.

ECR Co-Chair Nicola Procaccini said:

“This is a necessary and overdue step. At a time when religious persecution is rising across the world, the European Union must show that it is serious about defending one of the most fundamental human rights. Defending freedom of religion also means being ready to act consistently, credibly and without hesitation.”

ECR Co-Chair Patryk Jaki said:

“This post has been vacant for far too long, and this appointment must mark a turning point. The EU needs a strong, visible and operational envoy who will actively defend persecuted communities — first and foremost Christians, who remain the most targeted group worldwide. We now expect the Special Envoy to get to work immediately and to ensure that freedom of religion is treated as a genuine priority in our external policy with a clear focus on delivering concrete support to persecuted Christians.”

Antonella Sberna, ECR MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for dialogue with churches, religious associations and non-confessional organisations (Article 17 TFEU), added:

“The appointment of Mairead McGuinness as Special Envoy, long awaited, strengthens our role as a credible and coherent actor in addressing and combating persecution. For this mandate to be fully effective, it is essential that the Special Envoy be provided with adequate means, sufficient resources, and clear cross-party support, enabling her to act swiftly and effectively whenever religious or belief communities are subject to violations, discrimination, or persecution.”

ECR MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen, Co-Chair of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief, said:

“For too long, this position remained vacant while people around the world continued to suffer for their faith. The appointment is welcome, but it must now be followed by concrete action. The EU should systematically integrate religious freedom into its external relations and make it a real priority in its partnerships.”

The ECR Group stresses that the effectiveness of the Special Envoy will depend on a clear mandate, sufficient political backing and the willingness of the European Commission to translate commitments into concrete policy.