15/01/2019 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 15 January, the European Parliament called on the EU to continue its efforts on freedom of religion and belief in the world. By adopting the report by Andrzej Grzyb (EPP, Poland) by 576 votes to 46 with 73 abstentions, the Parliament "stresses the importance of joining efforts to promote freedom of religion or belief and interreligious and intra-religious dialogues as well as dialogues between different philosophical traditions in parallel with the prevention of religious extremism". It also calls for increased cooperation "to prevent the persecution of minorities based on thought, conscience, religion or belief, with the aim of creating an environment for peaceful coexistence in societies characterized by diversity". Welcoming the role of the EU Special Envoy, MEPs call for an extension of his powers. (CG)