Regional updates
EME News
News and reports from IARF’s Europe and Middle East region, including regional gatherings, member-community developments and issues directly connected with EME’s work.
New items appear automatically when they are classified as Europe and Middle East content.
Albania to host IARF’s 37th World Congress in 2027
Preparations for IARF's 37th World Congress in Albania build on a longstanding Bektashi partnership and Robert Ince's recent regional visit. The theme and registration details will be announced soon.
Yezidi petition supported by IARF presented to Dutch parliament
A petition co-signed by IARF, with 6,015 signatories recorded at the handover, was presented to the Dutch parliament’s asylum and migration committee on 22 September.
Faith Must Be a Liberating Force: IARF Statement on the Berlin CSD Attack
IARF condemns the attack near Berlin CSD, mourns those harmed, and affirms faith as a liberating and reconciling force against hatred and collective blame.
Please Sign the Petition for Yezidis in the Netherlands
In recent months, IARF has supported young Yezidis in the Netherlands in their efforts to oppose a recent change in Dutch asylum policy, under which it is now deemed safe for Yezidis and followers of some other minority religions to return to Iraq and resume their previous lives, whereas international organisations and experts say the […]
Unitarian Beginnings and Heritage in Poland: A Historical Pilgrimage
Dates: May 20–26, 2026 | Location: Poland | Organizer: Polish Unitarian Society & Partners We are pleased to share a unique opportunity for IARF members—particularly those in Europe—to explore the deep roots of liberal religion. This historical study tour is hosted by leaders from the Polish Unitarian Society, a member group of the IARF, in […]
In Memoriam: The Rev. John Clifford
The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) is deeply saddened to share the news of the death of the Rev. John Clifford. John was a dedicated internationalist, a passionate advocate for peace, and a universally respected leader within the Unitarian movement. His commitment to interfaith understanding and his service to our organization spanned decades, leaving […]
Sit-in Demonstration by Yezidis in The Hague Because of Recent Dutch Policy Change
Young Yezidis are holding a sit-in demonstration this month in front of The Hague Central train station to express their concerns about a recent change in Dutch policy. Under this new policy, the government now considers it generally safe for Yezidis and other religious minority groups to return to Iraq—either to the city of Sinjar […]
The Limits of Tolerance and Religious Freedom: Report from the 2025 EME Conference
The following is a translation of the report scheduled to appear in the upcoming newsletter of the Free Religious Congregation in Offenbach. For more details on the conference programme and speakers, please visit the official conference page at iarf.net/eme-conference-2025. The tension and excitement were immense: participants from around the world gathered in our community to […]
Remembrance of Transylvania 2005 Flood
Two decades ago, on August 23rd, 2005, villages in the valley of the Nyikó river in Transylvania (Romania) suffered the most catastrophic flood in memory. Sixteen people have died. The flood destroyed the livelihood of thousands of people of that region. Two thousands of them lost everything, their houses, barns, animals, workshops, machinery, their cars. […]
