European Parliament Hosts Conference on Religious Minority Rights: Lessons from Successes and Failures
Brussels, October 16, 2025 — The European Parliament hosted a high-level conference this week under the title “Respecting Religious Minority Rights: Lessons from Successes and Failures.” The event brought together European politicians, religious leaders, journalists, and experts to discuss global examples of interfaith harmony and the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities.
Organized under the patronage of Georgiana Theodorescu, Member of the European Parliament from the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, the conference highlighted both positive models and critical failures in promoting peaceful coexistence. Successful examples were drawn from Romania, Israel, and the Kurdistan Region, while discussions also shed light on ongoing crises in Gaza, the West Bank, and Syria.
Speaking at the event, Shafa Barzani, representing the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation, described the Kurdish people as “champions of peaceful coexistence,” noting that churches, mosques, and synagogues in the Kurdistan Region stand side by side under democratic values. He emphasized that the spirit of tolerance is deeply ingrained in Kurdish society, stating, “Our commitment to coexistence is written in our blood.”
Barzani also highlighted a recent example of this inclusiveness — the construction of a new church in Erbil, inaugurated by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, which will accommodate up to 1,000 Christian worshippers.
Participants at the conference praised the Kurdistan Region’s model of religious freedom and coexistence as a rare success story in the Middle East. Several Members of the European Parliament emphasized the importance of supporting regions that uphold diversity, dialogue, and democratic governance.
In addition to political figures, the event also featured religious leaders, historians, and journalists, who exchanged perspectives on protecting religious minorities and fostering understanding among different faiths.
The conference concluded with calls for greater international cooperation to safeguard religious freedoms and to learn from both the successes and failures observed across the Middle East and beyond.