In difficulties and in hopes” “

“The Church is following with great participation this difficult phase of European integration”. She registers “a great deal of uncertainty and scepticism about the future of the Union”, but also notes “strong signals of hope that are often transmitted by the new accession countries”. Willing to offer “her contribution to a wide-ranging dialogue on the most delicate problems such as the ratification of the Constitution”, the Church welcomes the decision to open the negotiations for the future membership of Croatia and Turkey. Bishop Josef Homeyer , President of COMECE (Commission of the episcopates of the European Community), presented the results of the organization’s plenary autumn assembly, held in Brussels from 16 to 18 November. Together with vice-presidents Bishops Adrianus Van Luyn and Hippolyte Simon , he reflected on the work of the three-day meeting dedicated among other things to the actuality of the message of Vatican Council II, which ended 40 years ago with the publication of the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et Spes . ON THE PART OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. The meeting of European bishops enjoyed the contribution of various experts, including Rolf Annerberg, head of cabinet of European Commissioner Margot Walström, who presented the new communication strategy of the Executive, called Plan D (democracy, dialogue and debate), aimed at kick-starting the process of European integration after the stall inflicted by the French and Dutch “no” to the Constitution and the “pause for reflection” decided by the European Council last June. “If the EU wishes seriously to communicate with citizens at the local level – added Homeyer –, it should not underestimate the ability of the Church to act as interlocutor”. Annerberg accepted “the invitation of COMECE to seek together the means to give substance to this new communication strategy, so as to “bring citizens closer to the European institutions”. EU, A STRATEGY FOR THE FAMILY. During their plenary assembly the bishops tackled various questions, including the preparation of the next European ecumenical assembly due to be held in Romania in 2007. It also approved two declarations: the first dedicated to the promotion of a “European strategy for the family”, the other on EU funding for research in relation to the ethical problems it poses. Commenting on the declaration dedicated to family policies within the EU, Homeyer explained: “The bishops recommend that, in conformity with the principle of subsidiarity, the politicians, at all levels of responsibility, make every possible effort to counter society’s lack of systematic attention towards the family. They appeal to the Union to develop a strategy for the family that should comprise measures aimed at reconciling active life and family life”. The document of the bishops then reaffirms that “the sacrament of matrimony is the basis on which society is built”. NEED FOR SCIENCE TO RESPECT LIFE. In its statement dedicated to research, COMECE underlines “the efforts made by the EU to promote an effective and competitive framework for research” and “recognises the existential importance of research for society”. On the other hand, the bishops “are particularly concerned by the funding of research that uses and destroys human embryos and embryonal stem cells”. The document affirms that science “must in all cases protect life and human dignity”. They ask the 25 “not to fund any projects that involve the use of human embryos and embryonal stem cells”. EYES ON THE BALKANS. COMECE expressed a “favourable view” on EU enlargement and its “hope” that, “once the membership criteria have been satisfied, the Balkan countries too may be able to join the Union”. In this regard Bishop Homeyer declared that he “regarded with favour the forthcoming membership of Croatia”. The same attention is being devoted to the course undertaken by Ankara: “The opening of negotiations is positive; this could help Turkey to make progress as regards some important reforms. At the same time vigilance is needed to ensure that this country respects human rights and fundamental liberties”. The German bishop commented: “Great hopes in the Union are being entertained in the Balkan countries. For them Europe means liberty, security, the chance to improve the quality of life and foster democracy. These hopes and the reforms being undertaken need to be encouraged and supported”. NEED FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP. In his address, Philippe Herzog, chairman of Confrontations Europe, tackled the question of the “promotion of active citizenship in the Union”. In the ensuing debate Msgr. Simon explained: “Europe is not only EU institutions, laws and policies, but also the result of the will of the peoples and of the active involvement of citizens”. That – he said – is an essential contribution, especially in this “phase of stalemate”, if we wish to resume the process of building the “common home”.