A voice at the Eu level

When I joined Comece – the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community – back in August 2004, the European Union was a hive of activity, not least due to the Union’s historic enlargement in May 2004. The Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe was due for signature by the heads of state and government, a high-level working group chaired by Wim Kok was reviewing the Lisbon Strategy, the five-year Tampere Programme designed to create an area of freedom, security and justice had come to an end and was being replaced by the Hague Programme, whilst the question of opening accession negotiations with Turkey loomed large. In addition, a new college of European Commissioners, committed to “doing less, better,” was waiting to be approved by the European Parliament. Since then, the European Union has hit stumbling block after stumbling block, be that in the form of national governments reticence towards economic reforms and the challenges posed by globalisation, or the halting of the Constitutional Treaty’s ratification following Dutch and French negative referenda results, or the near disastrous fallout concerning the Financial Perspectives for 2007-13. It seems that one difficult situation perpetuates another, rendering the Eu without clear individual or institutional leadership, direction or a true sense of its raison d’être . In truth, the Eu has lost some of its vitality and feels decidedly grey and weary. Yet, the Union continues with its daily functions and remains a living testimony to what can be achieved through reconciliation, partnership, and shared values amidst diversity. Since joining Comece it has become increasingly clear to me how essential it is that the Church is not only aware of the Eu, its functions and its activities, but that it is also represented to the institutions, and its voice articulated and engaged in European affairs. I do not think that this point can be underestimated. Just as it is recognised that Bishops’ Conferences have a duty to make input at the national level, so too the Church must engage with the European project. For all its faults and flaws, the European Union in its unique composition and mandate cannot be overlooked. Failure by the Church to appreciate the societal and spiritual implications and opportunities of the European project would indeed be lamentable. The May 2005 Comece publication The Evolution of the European Union and the Responsibility of Catholics should be read in this context.As I leave for pastures new, I do so with the hope that the Church continues to articulate a voice at the Eu level; a voice that would not necessarily be expressed on behalf of the vulnerable, the marginalised, the family, and the values that we in Europe take for granted. The Church’s vested interest is the common good. I believe that the Eu also has the same interest at heart. Thus input from a Church that is rooted in practical experience, and extensive academic social and theological thinking in pursuing the common good to the European project is essential on our mutual journey.