Page contentsPage contents Open and regular dialogueThe dialogue with religious and non-confessional actors was established in the early 1990s by European Commission President Jacques Delors. It recognises the specific contribution of churches, religious and non-confessional organisations to society.Currently, Commissioner Magnus Brunner is responsible for the dialogue. WebsiteVincent Depaigne is the Coordinator for the dialogue between the European Commission and churches, religious associations or communities as well as philosophical and non-confessional organisations. vincent [dot] depaigneec [dot] europa [dot] eu (Contact vincent[dot]depaigne[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)Frans van Daele was appointed on 7 December 2022 as Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. The Special Envoy was attached to Vice-President Schinas in view of his role in the Commission's dialogue with churches and religious associations or communities, and with philosophical and non-confessional organisations. See the mandate of the Special EnvoyBackgroundWith the Treaty of Lisbon, the dialogue between European institutions and churches, religious associations or communities as well as philosophical and non-confessional organisations has a legal basis in Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 26 OCTOBER 2012Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union In July 2013, the European Commission published Guidelines on the implementation of Article 17, which set the framework for this "open, transparent and regular dialogue". 21 JUNE 2017Guidelines on the implementation of Article 17 TFEU by the European Commission Documents 10 JANUARY 2025Privacy statement Dialogue Art 17 TFUE Related links In the news