On 30 May, around twenty senior representatives from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim religions as well as from the Buddhist communities met in Brussels on the invitation of President José Manuel Barroso and co-chaired by Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament and Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council. They discussed effective ways of rights and liberties with a view to build a Partnership for democracy and shared prosperity between Europe and its neighbourhood.

This is the second time that this kind of meeting takes place in the context of the Lisbon Treaty which foresees in its Art 17 that the Union maintains an “open, transparent and regular dialogue“ with religion, churches and communities of conviction. The meeting testifies once again of the importance that European institutions give to this dialogue.

José Manuel Barroso, the European Commission President said: “Our task and ambition is to promote democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, human rights and social justice not only in Europe but also in our neighbourhood. I strongly believe these challenges cannot be met without the active contribution of the religious communities.”

Jerzy Buzek, the President of the European Parliament added: “Religious communities are of paramount importance for the social fabric in EU countries. This is also true for the dynamic changes in our neighbourhood. The European Parliament always stressed that the freedom of religion or belief is one of the most fundamental human rights.“

Herman Van Rompuy, the President of the European Council said: “Let us not forget history. It is on the march in North Africa and the Arab world. This long march to freedom and justice. Precisely the values that are rooted in the European Treaties.“

The discussions took place in a frank and open spirit. The faith leaders from thirteen EU Members States (United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Hungary, France, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Romania, Greece, Cyprus, Poland, the Netherlands) and from third countries (Russia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) welcomed the EU’s determined and renewed engagement with its nearest neighbours. They expressed their readiness to work side by side with the European institutions to promote democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms which are indispensable in the building of pluralist and democratic societies.

More about the EU dialogue with religion, churches and communities of conviction.