About: Jan Figel'
The EU needs to show real commitment to religious freedom
The European Union introduced its Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief six years ago. But has the EU really backed them up with concrete action, asks Adina Portaru.
Demand grows to beef up EU’s religious freedom envoy
The fragile status of the EU’s special envoy on religious freedom is an unlikely topic of conjecture in the months leading up to next May’s European elections.
Will European Parliament truly stand up for all people persecuted worldwide?
On 6 December, the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee will vote an important report for people who are mistreated, discriminated or persecuted for their beliefs worldwide, writes Giulio Ercolessi. At stake here is whether the EU will step up for everyone whose human rights are violated worldwide, including non-believers.
Asia Bibi – the EU’s lack of leadership in protecting religious minorities worldwide
The plight of Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi underscores the need for the EU to beef up its policy tools on protecting religious freedom, writes Adina Portaru.
Is the EU getting serious on religious freedom?
“If you are going to be a serious person in the military, political, diplomatic world you have to understand religion.” So says Tim Montgomerie, a British political activist and journalist who edits the UnHerd website.
Campaigner: Religious freedom envoy must be permanent part of EU’s foreign policy team
The EU appointed its first special envoy on religious freedom in May 2016. Jan Figel’s 12-month mandate has now been extended for another year and Sophia Kuby of the Alliance for Defending Freedom (ADF) explains why his role should be strengthened.
Freedom of religion in EU diplomacy: Defending a cause or promoting divergent interests?
In recent years, the EU has taken several initiatives to promote freedom of religion across the world, even though the cause has been losing some of its lustre within international relations and has thrown into question the idea of basic rights as an indivisible whole, writes Professor François Foret.
Myanmar’s Suu Kyi rejects UN probe on Muslims during Brussels trip
Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday (2 May) rejected a decision by the UN's rights council to investigate allegations of crimes by Myanmar's security forces against minority Rohingya Muslims.
Freedom of religion and belief beyond the EU’s borders
Religious freedom is one of the most essential human rights, enshrined solidly in international law. Being part of EU primary law, the Union has committed to promote and protect religious freedom worldwide.
Figel reappointed as EU Special Envoy on religious freedom
The EU’s first ever Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU has been reappointed to another 12-month term.
EU envoy on religious freedom: ‘Indifference, ignorance and fear’ are terror’s greatest allies
To mark his first anniversary in the role as the EU’s inaugural Special Envoy for the Freedom of Religion or Belief Outside the EU, EURACTIV.com interviewed Ján Figeľ about the headscarf ban, Islamist terrorism and growing up Catholic in a communist state.
Right-wing Polish priest barred from Britain
A right-wing Polish priest has complained he was “banned from defending Christian children”, after being turned away from the UK at the weekend.
Figel’: ‘Sport is not business as usual’
Sport is not simply an economic sector like any other and has specific features that have to be recognised and dealt with at EU level, Jan Figel', the EU commissioner responsible for sport, told EURACTIV in an interview.