Dialogue with churches, religious associations and non-confessional organisations

Open and regular dialogue

The 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 Vice-President Margaritis Schinas is responsible for the dialogue. (Website)

Vincent 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. Contact: vincent [dot] depaigneec [dot] europa [dot] eu (vincent[dot]depaigne[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)

Frans van Daele has been appointed on 7 December 2022 Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. The Special Envoy is 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 Envoy here)

Background

With 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.

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".