In her letter, President von der Leyen states:

“I would like to reaffirm my commitment to defending and promoting freedom of religion or belief both within and outside the EU. As you rightly point out, at a time where hate speech and intolerance are on the rise, we are witnessing an increasing number of violations of these fundamental freedoms in many regions of the world. The work of the Intergroup on the Freedom of Religion, Belief, and Conscience is more vital than ever, and I highly appreciate your dedication to ensuring that these issues remain a priority on the EU agenda.”

She further acknowledges the important work of the former EU Special Envoy, Mr. Frans van Daele, especially his efforts to address the situation of religious minorities in the Middle East and Pakistan. The forthcoming Special Envoy will be able to build upon Mr. van Daele’s legacy. President von der Leyen also expresses her appreciation for the work of the Intergroup.

Adopted Amendment on Freedom of Religion in EU Diplomacy

This week, the European Parliament adopted an amendment to the Discharge 2023: EU General Budget – European External Action Service (EEAS), introduced by MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen. The amendment addresses the rising number of violations of freedom of religion worldwide and calls on the EEAS to better equip its staff to engage in discussions on this issue with authorities in countries that violate or suppress religious freedom. It emphasizes making freedom of religion a key priority in the EU’s external actions.

Read the full adopted text on Discharge 2023: EU General Budget – European External Action Service [HERE].

European Parliament Adopts Resolution on Violations of Freedom of Religion in Tibet

The ECPP welcomes the European Parliament’s newly adopted resolution condemning the violations of freedom of religion and belief in Tibet by the Chinese authorities. The resolution calls on China to uphold its international obligations, end discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities, allow peaceful religious practice, and release all religious and political prisoners.

Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the Chinese authorities have become increasingly oppressive, further worsening the human rights situation in Tibet. Recently, the Tibetan Buddhist religious leader Tulku Hungkar Dorje died under suspicious circumstances after being arrested by Chinese and Vietnamese authorities. His body was reportedly cremated without the consent of his family, raising serious human rights concerns.

Read the full European Parliament resolution of 8 May 2025 on violations of religious freedom in Tibet [HERE].

ECPP President Valeriu Ghileţchi expressed his gratitude for the achievements in the European Parliament by the MEPs:

“Freedom of Religion or Belief is fundamental for ECPP. As the European Union, we have the duty to promote and protect it both inside and outside the Union. We are very pleased with the action taken by the European Parliament this week. The promise of a new EU Special Envoy by President von der Leyen is an important step forward for the promotion and protection of FORB. I want to thank ECPP MEP Cristian Terheș and, MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen as co-president of the Intergroup on FORB in particular. We are also grateful for the hard work of co-president MEP Miriam Lexmann and the other members of the Intergroup. Their efforts this week will help foster FORB in Europe and around the world.”