The New Guidelines on Freedom of Religion and LGBTI Rights in the External Action of the European Union

Abstract

The European Union has recently joined a wider group of states that promote human rights in their foreign policy. Two recent documents approved by the European Council on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion and belief and LGBTI rights offer new material for the discussion on the role of human rights in the external relations of the European Union. The challenge for the EU will be to find a new balance and coherence between the protection of human rights within the EU and policies to advance human rights abroad.

Keywords: Religious Freedom, European Union, European External Action Service, Freedom of Religion and Belief, LGBTI rights