The EU’s Indifference to Victims of Religious Oppression
The EU remains unresponsive to the continuous appeals from European Parliament members, victims of global religious violence, religious scholars, and human rights advocates regarding the delay in appointing a new EU Special Envoy on FoRB. This position has been vacant for 300 days, following the end of the previous envoy’s mandate, and 15 months post the last European Parliament elections.
On September 22, Professor Lucian Leustean, an expert on religious freedom in the EU neighborhood, criticized the ongoing absence of an EU Special Envoy on FoRB. He presented his analysis of the religious status in countries like Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia during a European Parliament meeting.
Futile Appeals from MEPs
Commemorating the UN International Day for Victims of Violence Based on Religion (August 22), MEPs Bert-Jan Ruissen and Carlo Fidanza urged the European Commission to appoint a new EU Special Envoy for religious freedom promotion beyond the EU. Despite their call, the position remains vacant a month later.
Criticizing the delay, Bert-Jan Ruissen stated, “President von der Leyen’s commitment needs to translate into action. The longer the vacancy, the more EU’s credibility in advocacy for religious freedom suffers.” Carlo Fidanza added, “Without a Special Envoy, we miss opportunities to protect faith-related victims. Europe must uphold its promises.”
Since 2016, the EU Special Envoy position has often been left empty without explanation, despite calls from MEPs and civil society for a new appointment.
Victims Needing EU Action
Countries needing the EU Special Envoy’s intervention include:
- Azerbaijan: Jailing of a conscientious objector
- China: Tibetan monk arrested
- Congo DR: Church attack by rebels kills 34
- Egypt: Violence against Coptic women
- India: Attack on Christian prayer meeting
- Iran: Long imprisonments for Baha’i women
- Nicaragua: Persecution report on Christians
- Nigeria: Musician challenges blasphemy law
- Pakistan: Rise in minority violence
- Sudan: Mosque attack killing 70
The absence of an EU Special Envoy on FoRB means no substantial assistance for these victims. How long will the EU ignore their pleas?
EU Special Envoy on FoRB (2016 – 2025): Half the Time Inactive
A 2016 European Parliament resolution called for a permanent Special Representative for religious freedom outside the EU. This led to Jean-Claude Juncker creating the EU Special Envoy on FoRB role.
In May 2016, Jan Figel was appointed as the first envoy, serving actively for three years. After the 2019 European Parliament elections, the position remained vacant for 18 months until Christos Stylianides was appointed in May 2021. His term lasted only four months before he took another position in Greece.
For over a year, the role was unfilled until Baron Frans van Daele was appointed in December 2022. His two-year term ended amid political transitions, causing limited follow-up actions. From 2019 to 2022, the position saw no activity for three years. As of June 2025, the role is again unoccupied.
Conclusion: In ten years, the EU Special Envoy has been active for only five years, highlighting the position’s instability.
Transparency Issues
There has been no urgency to replace Baron Frans van Daele, and candidate selections are opaque. President von der Leyen could improve transparency by adopting practices from the UN and OSCE. Meanwhile, some EU states and the UK have appointed their Special Envoys on FoRB.
The financial management of the EU Special Envoy function lacks transparency, and the latest activity report is unavailable. Only Jan Figel publicly shared his comprehensive report and recommendations at his mandate’s end.
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