Source: European Parliament
22.10.2024
Freedom of thought, conscience and religion as well as freedom of expression and information are essential foundations of EU’s democratic societies, enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the Charter) and the European Convention on Human Rights. Within the remit of its competences, the Commission is committed to ensure the protection and promotion of these rights.
Under Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Commission carries out a regular dialogue with churches, religious organisations and non-confessional associations.
The dialogue takes place in particular through yearly high-level meetings with religious and non-confessional leaders chaired by the Member of the Commission in charge of the dialogue.
However, according to Article 51 of the Charter, the provisions of the Charter are addressed to the Member States only when they are implementing EU law.
Based on the information provided by the Honourable Members, it does not appear that, in the matter referred to, the Member State concerned acted in the course of implementation of EU law.
As a result, the Commission is not in a position to comment further on the issues raised by the Honourable Members.