Politicians in the European Parliament want the vacancy of Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief filled as soon as possible [1].
In a letter, 48 MEPs have written to Ursula Von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, asking for the re-appointment of an Envoy who will specifically work on defending the freedoms of religious people.
It was announced back in July that the position would be renewed, having previously been held by only one person – Ján Figel – since the creation of the role in 2016. The role has been vacant for almost a year.
The signatories say promoting freedom of religion is an essential aim of the EU.
“Targeted attacks on religious freedoms in recent years have demonstrated the need for a more targeted and urgent response,” they say.