About: religious freedom

What future for the EU’s Charter of Rights after a decade?

The integration of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights into the EU treaties was controversial. Yet relatively few Europeans are aware that the Charter even exists, ten years after it became legally binding.

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.

US takes aim at Turkey over religious freedom

The United States took aim at Turkey on Wednesday (30 May), demanding that it release a US pastor facing trial, as the State Department published its annual report on religious freedom saying it was "under assault" across the world.

EU court deals blow to anti-abortion campaigners

The EU’s top court has dealt a blow to anti-abortion activists, ruling that the European Commission was justified in its refusal to propose a ban on EU funding for abortion services.

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.

EU faces legal ‘turf war’ on controversial religious freedom cases

Freedom to live by the values of religious faith is protected in the EU treaties under Article 10 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. But it remains a legal grey area across the EU.

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.

‘Eroding civil liberties is recruiting tool for extremists,’ Parliament hears

Curbs on civil liberties, both online and in everyday life, prove to be a “recruiting tool for extremists”, MEPs heard on Wednesday night (8 March), at a debate on combatting violent extremism and restoring citizenship.

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.

Christians recognised as most persecuted religious group worldwide

Around the world, Christians are being persecuted because of their faith. The European Parliament brought much-needed recognition to the victims of persecution and needs to follow up with concrete tools to protect religious groups worldwide, writes Adina Portaru.

CSU warns against Turkish visa liberalisation

Bundestag Vice-President Johannes Singhammer (CSU) has warned that refugee numbers would increase if plans to grant visa liberalisation to Turkey come to fruition. EURACTIV’s partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.

Poll: British public heavily in favour of burqa ban

Twice as many British people support a ban on women wearing a burqa than oppose one, with a majority also in favour of outlawing the burkini, according to a poll published Thursday (31 August).

EU companies could justify ban on headscarves

A senior jurist of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has said that under certain conditions EU companies could ban employees from wearing headscarves. EURACTIV Spain reports.

Europe can do more to safeguard religious minorities

The suicide bombings on Easter Sunday in Lahore, Pakistan, should act as a reminder that the European Union needs a high-level office in charge of freedom of religion and belief in the world, writes Sophia Kuby.

Turkey to return religious minorities’ property

The Turkish government will reportedly return properties confiscated from religious minorities since 1936, in a step that seemingly addresses European concerns about the treatment of minorities in the EU candidate member.

Sweden’s shame

Sweden's image as a free and tolerant society has been tarnished by recent attacks on its Jewish community, warns Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress.