The European Commission has appointed a Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU after a two year lapse.

Christos Stylianides was the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management from 2014 to 2019. Since 2020, he has served as special advisor on education in emergencies, migration and inclusion to the current Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas.

The reappointment of the Special Envoy was welcomed by the Human rights advocacy firm, ADF International. Their Senior Counsel in Brussels, Adina Portaru, said the move is an important step in showing real commitment to this fundamental right.

“We lament that this position has been vacant for almost two years. We hope that the new Special Envoy will quickly get to work focusing on the needs of the most persecuted worldwide. We urge the European Commission to strengthen the position of the Special Envoy and build on the important work already achieved. The victims on the ground are in dire need of a decisive response from the EU. With its Special Envoy, the EU can lead in the international response. That leadership is needed now more than ever,” she said.