Led by the Greens’ Daniel Freund and the EPP’s Sirpa Pietikäinen, the MEPs addressed their concerns to Commission President von der Leyen and Commissioner Magnus Brunner, who is responsible for the EU Special Envoy. The letter urged them to reject any candidate whose record conflicts with the universality and interdependence of human rights.
The MEPs cited the precedent of former Envoy Ján Figeľ, who drew criticism from MEPs and the European Ombudsman for co-hosting events with anti-abortion and anti-LGBTIQ+ organizations. The letter pointed at this risk of “instrumentalization”, where religious freedom is invoked to justify human rights violations, which – as the EU FoRB Guidelines point out – often affect “women, members of religious minorities, and persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Daniel Freund, MEP (Greens/EFA) explained:
Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental right, but it cannot be weaponized to justify discrimination. We are urging the Commission to ensure the next Envoy has a proven track record of defending human rights for all, including religious minorities, atheists, and those often targeted in the name of religion. We cannot have an Envoy who is selective about which human rights they choose to respect.
Referencing weeks of speculation that Brussels-insider Martin Selmayr was being considered for the role, the MEPs stressed that candidates need “demonstrable expertise” in human rights. They also criticized the Commission’s lack of transparency and consultation around candidate selection, as well as general opaqueness of the mandate’s work. In response, the letter urges the publication of candidate lists and selection criteria and the establishment of a clear transparency and reporting framework for the mandate’s operation.
At a 17 November hearing of the Budget Control Committee, MEP Daniel Freund sought assurances from Commissioner Brunner that the selection process would be transparent and that the appointee will respect all human rights. Despite Brunner’s vague promises of transparency, the Commission has failed to publish selection criteria, a candidate list, or consult with Parliament.
Daniel Freund, MEP (Greens/EFA) added:
We cannot accept a process that takes place entirely behind closed doors. I asked Commissioner Brunner directly for transparency guarantees. The current silence suggests business as usual for the current Commission: Backroom appointments that prioritize political maneuvering over transparency and human rights expertise.
The letter has also received coverage in Euractiv, a prominent EU-based publication, as part of their daily The Rapporteur newsletter. The group of MEPs hails from across the political spectrum (EPP, Renew, S&D, Greens/EFA, The Left) and, notably, includes the chairs of the committees on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, on Human Rights, and on the European Democracy Shield, as well as a member of the Intergroup on Freedom of Religion, Belief and Conscience.
The MEP letter comes a month after Humanists International wrote to the Commission to voice similar concerns about the appointment process and the human rights record of candidates. Gary McLelland, CEO of Humanists International, spoke about these concerns with Commissioner Brunner as part of the Article 17 high-level meeting on 1 December. The European Parliament and European Ombudsman also raised their reservations about the Envoy previously.
Photos: © European Union 2025 – Source : EP