Intergroup calls for the appointment of a Coordinator on combatting attacks and discrimination against Christians

The number of incidents against Christians and churches is rising in Europe. Miriam Lexmann, co-chair of the Intergroup FORB, says:

"There is a growing evidence that a large number of Christians face personal attacks and in some cases even a violence in the European Union. Combatting anti-Christian hatred in our society is not only crucial in order to protect freedom of religion as a basic human right, but it is also a step forward to defend our democracy and freedom in general."

MEPs appeal to

Von Der Leyen:

appoint EU Special Envoy

April 8, 2025 | A large group of Members of the European Parliament has sent a new letter stressing the need to urgently appoint a European Union's Special Envoy for the promotion of the freedom of religion and belief outside of the EU, as "Every day, (religious) minorities are being discriminated against or attacked." say Intergroup co-chairs Miriam Lexmann (Slovakia) and Bert-Jan Ruissen (the Netherlands). 

Urgent call

to Ursula von

der Leyen

December 18, 2024 | It is of the upmost importance that the European Union's Special Envoy for the promotion of the freedom of religion and belief outside of the EU is soon re-appointed, stressed MEP's Miriam Lexmann and Bert-Jan Ruissen in a letter to the Commission's president Ursula von der Leyen.

What is the EU's political response to violence against Christians in DRC?

In February 2025, 70 Christians were found beheaded in a DRC Church. Chairs of the Intergroup, Miriam Lexmann and Bert-Jan Ruissen asked EU's High Representative, Kaja Kallas, on the EU's action regarding safeguarding the lives of citizens in DRC's current humanitarian crisis.

Pakistan's blasphemy practices need to be addressed

Death penalties on blasphemy charges, forced marriage and forced conversion: minorities in Pakistan suffer. The Intergroup has asked Mr Olof Skoog, EU High Representative on Human Rights, to address these issues on his visit to Pakistan in January 2025.