Saint Catherine's Monastery: PASOK MEPs urge EU intervention

Four PASOK Members of the European Parliament have submitted a joint written question to the European Commission regarding the situation at Saint Catherine's Monastery in Sinai. The intervention comes ahead of a final court ruling on August 23 regarding the monastery's ownership status before the Egyptian Administrative Court.

The MEPs expressed serious concerns regarding the recognition of the monastery's legal personality and the refusal by Egyptian authorities to recognize the canonically elected Archbishop and Abbot. They argue this prevents effective judicial representation and the protection of the monastery's historical ownership status.

The lawmakers questioned whether these developments were considered during the EU's assessment of Egypt's rule of law and human rights, particularly as the EU deepens its strategic partnership with the country. They have called on the Commission to clarify if these events align with Egypt's international obligations to protect religious freedom and historical religious institutions.