Dialogue with European political institutions is pertinent to CEC. Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) provides churches with an opportunity to engage in regular, open and transparent dialogue with the European Union.
Together with our Member Churches and ecumenical partners, especially the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), we work towards a political agenda that includes religious voices and considers their concerns. Grounded in Christian principles, our values inspire an inclusive and sustainable future for Europe, which is possible only when we strengthen and materialise dialogue between EU and churches, as envisaged in the Treaty of Lisbon.
We call on the political groups of the European Institutions, the political parties and MEP candidates to recognise Christian values that can influence and implement the European project. Article 17 dialogue is a unique opportunity to fight against the instrumentalisation of Christian values for political interests and from the perspective of ethno-racial narratives.
We look forward to witnessing voices from our churches in the political programmes and pre-election campaigns. A strong dialogue can help us realise a better Europe that we all hope for.
