Freedom of religion in Europe is worth fighting for, alongside freedom of speech and freedom to travel, according to German chancellor Angela Merkel. Many people in the past have taken the EU and its advantages for granted — such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom to travel, she said. ‘You don’t have all this in many parts of the world. And that’s why it is worth fighting for this Europe,’ added Merkel,

Her comments were made in a speech in the Baltic Sea resort town of Zingst two months before a federal election.

The EU appointed its special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion and belief outside the EU Jan Figel in May 2016.

Millions around the world still suffer persecution because of their faith – Religious Freedom under threat especially by Islamist hyper extremism, a recent report found.