Persecution of Christians by IS

31.3.2015

Question for written answer E-005325-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Georg Mayer (NI)

Almost every day there are horror stories in the news about IS terror in the Middle East. Only a short while ago the media reported on a new low point when on 23 February 2015 270 fleeing Christians fell into the hands of the terror militia near the Syrian city of Al-Hasaka. Unfortunately, it appears likely on the basis of the current situation that there will be no peace in the Middle East in the near future. For Europe, too, the unstable situation — from Libya to Syria — is a great burden, as streams of refugees are having to be accommodated to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. The fate of Christians in these areas should be of particular concern to us given Europe's Judaeo-Christian tradition.

1. Are any specific efforts being made by the EU to offer the endangered Christians in the Middle East the opportunity to practice their faith without having to fear for their lives?

2. Within the EU, too, one hears of increasing numbers of attacks on Christians by returning Jihadists and radicalised Islamists. Are there any EU programmes in this connection which are specifically aimed at preventing this?