Tuesday 27 January @ 17:30-19:00 CET

On Tuesday, ECR MEP and Co-Chair of the European Parliament Intergroup on Freedom of Religion, Belief and Conscience will host a presentation of the World Watch List 2026.

The World Watch List is Open Doors’ annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. Worldwide, more than 388 million Christians experience high levels of persecution and discrimination because of their faith.

During the World Watch List 2026 reporting period, 4,849 Christians were killed worldwide because of their Christian identity. 3,490 of these killings occurred in Nigeria, representing an increase of 3,100 compared to the previous year.

Syria enters the top 10 for the first time this year. Under the new Al-Sharaa regime, the situation for Christians has become extremely dangerous.

The event will be hosted together with MEPs Miriam Lexmann and Matej Tonin (EPP) and will feature a presentation of the main findings by Peter Paulsson, Director of Open Doors Sweden, as well as first-hand testimonies from Christians who have faced persecution in Nigeria and Yemen.

When: Tuesday @ 17:30 – 19:00

Where: ANTALL 6Q1

Programme:

1. Introduction by MEPs

2. Presentation of the main results by Peter Paulsson, Director of Open Doors Sweden

3. Testimonies by Haruna from Nigeria and John Ghanim from Yemen

4. Exchange of views with representatives from the European Commission and European External Action Service

5. Policy recommendations for EU Institutions by David Sainz, Open Doors International

6. Q&A

7. Closing remarks by MEPs