European Bodies Urge EU to Appoint Religious Freedom Envoy and Anti-Christian Hatred Coordinator Amid Rising Persecution

Renewed Calls for EU Religious Freedom Envoy

European lawmakers, bishops, and various civil organizations are collectively urging the European Union to appoint a dedicated special envoy for religious freedom and a coordinator specifically tasked with addressing anti-Christian hatred. These calls stem from a documented increase in violence and persecution against religious communities, particularly Christians, across the globe and within Europe.

The position of EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) outside the EU was initially established in 2016. Since its inception, the role has seen several appointees, including Ján Figel (who served until 2019), Christos Stylianides (appointed in May 2021 but left after six months), and most recently, Belgian diplomat Frans van Daele, appointed in December 2022. However, van Daele's term has now expired, leaving the position vacant once again without a proposed replacement.

Addressing Rising Anti-Christian Hatred

A significant driver behind these renewed appeals is the alarming rise in anti-Christian hate crimes. The International Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe) released a report in November 2025, documenting 2,211 anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe in 2024. These incidents included a sharp increase in arson attacks on churches, assaults on clergy, and vandalism.

Furthermore, the 2026 Open Doors World Watch List, released this month, indicates that approximately 1 in 7 Christians worldwide—around 388 million people—faced high levels of persecution in 2024-2025, encompassing severe acts such as beheadings, mass killings, and abductions.

The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), which represents Catholic bishops to the EU, has been particularly vocal. At the conclusion of its autumn assembly in Brussels in October 2025, COMECE reiterated its 'growing dismay' at the discrimination and persecution faced by religious minorities, 'mostly Christian,' who are 'targeted for their beliefs.'

The Need for a Dedicated Coordinator

Advocates argue for the appointment of a coordinator for anti-Christian hatred to ensure parity with existing EU coordinators for antisemitism and Islamophobia. Alessandro Calcagno, an adviser to the bishops on fundamental rights and a spokesperson for COMECE, stated in December 2024 that 'the time is mature for the appointment of an EU coordinator on combating anti-Christian hatred in Europe.'

Members of the European Parliament, such as Bert-Jan Ruissen, co-chair of the European Parliament's Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief, have also stressed the need for stronger EU safeguards, suggesting that 'One Special Envoy is not enough. A dedicated unit is needed to support the post and equip EU representatives globally on FORB.'

Concerns and Objectives for the Mandate

The calls emphasize that the EU, which enshrines freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as an inalienable human right in Article 10 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, has a particular responsibility to defend these values beyond its borders. COMECE bishops have urged the European Commission to appoint a new envoy 'without further delay,' strengthening their mandate and allocating adequate human and financial resources.

However, a cross-party group of 18 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including Daniel Freund (Greens) and Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP), sent a letter to the European Commission in December 2025. They warned that the next Special Envoy's mandate should not be misused to undermine the rights of women, LGBTIQ+ people, or non-believers, citing past criticisms of former Envoy Ján Figeľ for co-hosting events with anti-abortion and anti-LGBTIQ+ organizations.

The ongoing discussions in Brussels highlight the complex and urgent need for the EU to solidify its commitment to protecting religious freedom and combating hatred against religious communities through dedicated and well-resourced appointments.