Photo: European Union, 2024

The President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), H.E. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain has congratulated Ursula von der Leyen on her re-election as President of the European Commission, wishing her “God’s blessing” in her new term and tasks ahead.

In a letter to von der Leyen, highlighting CEC’s work and role, he said, “Just as the European Union, we work to safeguard peace and security and promote European integration and reconciliation. In these times of polarization and the resurgence of nationalism in Europe and beyond, the European institutions stand for an open European debate based on comprehensible arguments, where diversity and variety repeatedly give rise to new European common ground.”

The CEC President expressed his appreciation for how the “European Commission conducts an open, transparent, and continuous dialogue with churches under Article 17 TFEU,” a dialogue, he said, “we would like to strengthen to promote the European common good.”

“We are very much aware of the challenges Europe and the world are facing today, and we are ready and willing to contribute to any European debates and policies that seek to provide the best for people in Europe and beyond,” added Archbishop Nikitas.

“We wish you God's blessing and a fortunate hand in these very challenging times,” he concluded.