An idea without borders

The Treaty of Rome was signed in the Italian capital on 25 March 1957. It instituted the European Economic Community (Eec) and, at the same time, on the basis of a second accord, the European Community of Atomic Energy (Euratom). The Treaty came into force on 1st January 1958. Its aim was to “promote balanced and sustainable economic and social progress, especially through the creation of an area without internal frontiers, the reinforcement of economic and social cohesion and the establishment of an economic and monetary union that would finally lead to a single currency; affirm its identity on the international scene, especially through the implementation of a common external and security policy, including the ultimate definition of a common defence policy that could successfully lead to a common defence; and reinforce the protection of the rights and interests of the citizens of its member states through the institution of citizenship of the Union”. These objectives were to be pursued in conformity with the principle of subsidiarity. To commemorate this anniversary, the European institutions have prepared a rich programme of political, cultural, social and artistic events, details of which can be found on the website of the Eu: http://europa.eu/50. Comece, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community, is also organizing a meeting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. “Values and prospects for tomorrow’s Europe” will be the slogan of the European congress due to be held in Rome from 23 to 25 March. On that occasion a message will be sent to the summit in Berlin, where the heads of state and of government will meet on 24 and 25 March. They, in turn, will publish a Declaration on the Future of Europe, which is now being drafted by a group of diplomats and “wise men”. We discussed the anniversary with Monsignor NoËl Treanor, General Secretary of Comece. Comece has decided to hold a Congress in Rome from 22 to 25 March to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome. It can count on the support of a network of lay movements and organizations in various European countries. What’s your aim in holding it? “Our aim is, in the first place, to invite Christians, believers, young men and women living in European countries to remember that this European Treaty, which has had enormous success and been able to give Europe a common organization, is based on a system of political, economic and social values that the governments of that time tried to embody in solidarity. But especially we wish to promote growing awareness that the Treaty, if it is to be respected, has a need for the commitment of citizens who must act as multipliers of the European idea”. In short, European Catholics are being asked to revive their commitment to the Old Continent in respect for the values enunciated in the Treaty? “Commitment isn’t enough: these values need to be embodied in everyone’s life”. Comece, together with the Cec, recently met the political representatives of Germany, which holds the Presidency of the Eu for this semester. The importance of dialogue with the Churches and the need for the Eu to be based on common values were underlined on that occasion. During these six months of the German Presidency do you think it will be possible to revive discussion about the Christian roots of Europe and ensure they are mentioned in the Constitutional Treaty? “The values enunciated in the text of the Treaty are universal and we Christians share them. What is solidarity for us if not charity? This goes also for such values as dignity and human rights, and the safeguard of life that form part of the Christian heritage”. So, why then is there such resistance to mentioning the Christian roots of Europe? “It’s true, mention of the Christian legacy of Europe is lacking. However, the values we profess, and that are at the basis of our faith, are already in the Constitution. It’s also true that we have a need for a Constitution that reflects and accepts them. It’s then up to us Christians to render them vibrant in the society in which we live”.