High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas has defended the European External Action Service's record on training diplomats in freedom of religion or belief, pointing to annual courses, e-learning modules and a May 2026 EU-wide training session. In a written answer to a parliamentary question from seven MEPs spanning the ECR, S&D, PPE and non-attached groups, Kallas said the EEAS 'regularly provides dedicated training on religion-related aspects of foreign policy and diplomacy, including freedom of religion or belief.' The answer, published on 29 July 2026, responds to MEPs who had cited estimates that 388 million Christians worldwide face persecution and recalled Parliament's discharge resolutions of 2023 and 2024 calling for such training.
Kallas listed recent annual courses covering religion and geopolitics, religion in Africa, and religious nationalism, with a focus on religious literacy, human rights, conflict prevention and practical tools for diplomatic engagement. She also highlighted cooperation with the Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships on an EU learning package that includes e-learning courses 'Freedom of Religion or Belief for All' and 'Freedom of Religion or Belief and Gender Equality', complemented by webinars and practical guidance. In May 2026, an EU-wide training on practical resources to address freedom of religion or belief was offered to staff in headquarters and EU delegations. The course 'Religious nationalism and the evolving geo-political reality' is organised annually with approximately 40 participants. Human rights trainings are integrated into broader diplomatic training, including international human rights law in the Essential EU Diplomatic Training.
The answer contained no new numerical targets, dedicated budget lines or additional staff allocations. Kallas stated that the activities are 'implemented within existing human and financial resources and in cooperation with relevant Commission services.' This suggests the EEAS is not planning to scale up resources specifically for religious freedom training, despite the Parliament's repeated calls. The MEPs had also asked about use of the Freedom of Religion or Belief learning platform, which Kallas did not address directly, instead referring to the broader EU learning package.
The answer signals continuity rather than expansion. Kallas frames existing training as sufficient, emphasising integration into general diplomatic curricula rather than a dedicated programme. Institutional follow-up is likely to remain within current structures, with no indication of a separate budget line or staffing increase. The European Parliament may press the issue again in upcoming discharge or foreign affairs debates.