The Council of Europe has appointed a Special Representative on antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and religious intolerance. Despite the end of the EU Special Envoy on FORB’s mandate 15 months ago and the European Parliament elections 20 months ago, Ursula von der Leyen has yet to fill this vacancy, causing discontent within and outside the EU. Calls from various stakeholders for action have been ignored, and transparency is lacking due to no public call for candidacies. Urgent issues in countries such as China, Cuba, Egypt, India, and others highlight the need for an active EU envoy.
Since Jan Figel’s mandate ended on 30 November 2019, the European Commission appointed only two short-term envoys: Christos Stylianides and Baron Frans van Daele. The Council of Europe appointed Irene Kitsou-Milonas as the Special Representative on 1 December 2025. Irene Kitsou-Milonas, experienced in religious issues, was previously Deputy Director in the Secretary General’s Office and has led interreligious dialogues. The EU is encouraged to follow the CoE’s example in future appointments.
Several European countries have appointed their own Special Envoys on FORB, reflecting global concerns about religious persecution. These include:
- Austria: Alexander Rieger
- Czech Republic: Robert Rehak
- Denmark: Nathalia Feinberg
- Hungary: Márk Aurél Érszegi, Tristan Azbej
- Italy: Davide Dionisi
- Netherlands: Paulus Beckers
- Norway: Fernanda San Martin Carrasco
- United Kingdom: David Smith
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