By Martin Banks

The appointment of a former MEP as EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union has been widely welcomed.

Mairead McGuinness was said by Human Rights Without Frontiers,  a leading Brussels-based rights group, to be “a highly qualified person for this mission.”

McGuinness is an Irish politician who served as the European Commissioner for Financial Stability and Financial Services from 2020 to 2024.

She previously served as Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2020, sitting with the European People’s Party (EPP), and as First Vice-President of the European Parliament from 2017 to 2020.

In this capacity, she had responsibility for the implementation of Article 17 of the Lisbon Treaty, which governs dialogue between EU institutions and churches, religious associations and non-confessional organizations.

McGuinness also highlighted the European Parliament’s role in shaping EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief, including consultation during their drafting. She supported greater awareness and implementation of these guidelines globally.

While warmly welcoming the move, HRWF says that, since the end of the full mandate of the very first EU Special Envoy, Jan Figel, on 30 November 2019, the European Commission has only appointed two Special Envoys for short periods: Christos Stylianides (Cyprus), who left after 4 months, and Baron Frans van Daele (Belgium), a retired diplomat, for 2 years.

A HRWF spokesman said, “It cannot be kept silent that during the 10 years of existence of the post the mandate has only been carried out for 5 years despite all the pressing calls of MEPs and civil society. This shows a persistent lack of political will to defend freedom of religion or belief outside the EU.”

It points out that the Council of Europe (CoE) has very recently appointed a Greek Special Representative against all forms of religious intolerance

Meanwhile, The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union has also welcomed the appointment.

President of COMECE, H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata, said, “COMECE knows Ms McGuinness well and has had the privilege of working closely with her during her time as a Member of the European Parliament.

“This includes in her capacity as First Vice-President responsible for the implementation of the dialogue with Churches and religious communities, as provided for in Article 17 TFEU.”

“COMECE also welcomes the fact that this important position has now been filled after a prolonged vacancy following the end of the previous mandate in late 2024.

“The appointment follows sustained calls from Members of the European Parliament, Churches, and civil society actors to ensure continuity in this crucial function.

“This role is a key component of the EU’s external action and is essential for advancing the protection and promotion of freedom of religion or belief worldwide,” Mgr Crociata explained.