During a Dialogue Seminar held 2 December, entitled “Beyond the numbers: the contribution of Article 17 TFEU to an EU Multiannual Financial Framework grounded in ethics, solidarity and inclusion,” the Conference of European Churches (CEC) urged the European Institutions to invest in social cohesion, and to recognize churches as strategic partners.

David Jakobsson, Senior Policy Advisor for the Church of Sweden, represented CEC during one of the panel discussions, entitled “How the MFF can lead to a more equitable, competitive and sustainable social model.”

Jakobsson emphasised social cohesion, climate action, and rural development. “These areas are interconnected,” he said. “Social cohesion strengthens democracy and rural vitality, while climate protection links to the circular economy, energy efficiency, and strategic independence.”

In fact, true resilience begins with social cohesion, said Jakobsson. “This is where we, as churches and faith communities, play a unique and irreplaceable role,” he said. “As religious communities, we are among the most trusted and deeply rooted institutions in Europe.”

Churches and faith-based organizations must be explicitly included in EU programmes, urged Jakobsson. “Churches and other faith communities are not peripheral actors; we are central to Europe’s ethical and social infrastructure,” he said. “This is not about privilege—it is about partnership.”

He also urged the European Commission to keep decisions close to communities. “Regional and local actors, including churches, understand local needs best,” he said. “Shared management is positive, but minimum budgets for social and rural development must be safeguarded.”

Europe’s strength lies in its communities, he concluded. “Churches and other faith-based actors are deeply embedded in these communities and contribute daily to social cohesion everywhere,” he said. “We are ready to partner with EU institutions to ensure that we build a resilient society that holds together in times of crisis.”