Christos Stylianides

Christos Stylianides has been appointed special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU.

Mr Stylianides was the European commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management from 2014 to 2019. Since 2020, he has served as special advisor on education in emergencies, migration and inclusion to the current Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas.

Adina Portaru, senior counsel for ADF International in Brussels, said: “Nobody should be persecuted because of their faith. The reappointment of a special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU is an important step in showing real commitment to this fundamental right. 

“We lament that this position has been vacant for almost two years. We hope that the new special envoy will quickly get to work focusing on the needs of the most persecuted worldwide.

“We urge the European Commission to strengthen the position of the Special Envoy and build on the important work already achieved. The victims on the ground are in dire need of a decisive response from the EU. With its Special Envoy, the EU can lead in the international response. That leadership is needed now more than ever.”