The European Commission has decided to designate Mairead McGuinness as Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. In this capacity, she will report to Commissioner Brunner, who is in charge of leading the Commission's dialogue with churches and religious associations or communities, and with philosophical and non-confessional organisations, and will provide support for intercultural and interreligious dialogue processes outside the European Union, including with national authorities, organisations and representatives of different faiths.
The EU is committed to promoting and protecting human rights at home and abroad. This designation underlines the Commission's commitment to protect freedom of religion or belief, one of the most fundamental aspects of human dignity, closely connected with freedom of expression - the ability of every individual to decide what they believe, in full respect of their conscience. The persistent persecution of individuals and minorities on religious, belief and ethnic grounds makes protecting and promoting this freedom outside the EU all the more essential. As the European Union continues to act as a global role model in upholding fundamental rights, this role is essential to promoting peaceful and open societies.
Mairead McGuinness served as European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union (2020–2024). Prior to this, she was the first Vice-President of the European Parliament with responsibility for the Parliament's dialogue with churches, religious and philosophical organisations and relations with national Parliaments. She was Member of the European Parliament for several mandates, spanning from 2004 until 2020.
Source: European Commission
Credits photo on top of Mairead McGuinness: wikimedia
