Anti-Christian crimes rise across Europe, OIDAC says in February report

Cover of the February report by the human rights organization OIDAC Europe. Photo: OIDAC Europe

In February 2026, Europe saw a rise in hate crimes targeting Christians, including arson attacks, vandalism, and the desecration of sacred sites. This is according to a report by the human rights group OIDAC Europe.

The organization documented 34 incidents during the month, up from January. These included 17 cases of vandalism, 11 arson attacks, three desecrations of sacred sites, two thefts of sacred objects, and one attack on participants in a Christian event.

The highest numbers were recorded in France and Italy, with seven cases each, followed by Germany with six. Incidents were also reported in the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The report notes that arson remains one of the main trends. In France, for example, the altar of a parish church was deliberately set on fire, while in the Netherlands three churches were targeted within a matter of days. Repeated attacks on the same churches were also recorded, including vandalism and damage to religious property.

OIDAC Europe said the documented cases point to ongoing threats facing Christian communities and places of worship, and called for stronger measures to protect religious sites and safeguard freedom of religion.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the European Parliament had identified Christianity as the most persecuted religion.

Read also