Debates

Thursday, 13 June 2013 - Strasbourg

Promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief (A7-0203/2013 - Laima Liucija Andrikienė)

  Lívia Járóka (PPE), in writing. − Promoting and defending freedom of religion and belief must be part of the European Union’s external policies, especially regarding the widespread worldwide discrimination affecting different groups – among them many Christians – outside the EU. To retain the credibility of the European Union’s external actions and its fostering the fulfilment of human rights globally, we must clearly condemn all forms of violence and discrimination based on religion or belief. The recommendations to the Council also foresee the provision that EU financial instruments could be mobilized both as an incentive and as a deterrent, through the freezing of funds. I truly hope that after the Foreign Affairs Council adopts the recommendations, they will contribute to promoting to full respect for religious freedom worldwide.