A project to be supported

While the EU is entering a period of important summits, decisions and concerted actions to tackle of emergencies of our time (economic recession, environmental and energy questions, immigration, internal and international security) and while many cities are enflamed by the protests of the populations struck by the crisis, the Catholic Church is once again forcefully reaffirming her belief in the project of European integration begun by the “founding fathers” over a half century ago. The Declaration published by COMECE (Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community) at the end of its plenary assembly at the end of March (see further SIR Europe no. 22/2009) underlines some basic principles that may help us to look beyond the current economic crisis and reinforce our commitment to the building of “a common European home” that is founded on shared values and common interests – peace, justice, democracy, defence of inalienable rights – and able to become a protagonist on the world stage. “The process of European integration deserves to be appreciated, in spite of some shortcomings”, declare the European bishops in their joint declaration. “For this reason we, the Bishops of COMECE, support and promote the European Union as a project of hope for all of its citizens”. The document, which is being diffused in all the member countries thanks to their respective Bishops’ Conferences, analyses “this unsettled time of financial and economic crisis”: in this context the Union “has proved to be a dependable home that strives to safeguard stability and solidarity among its members”. Moreover, it now has “the capacity and the means to respond to the most urgent and pressing challenges of our time”. This is the concept round which the Twenty-Seven are closing their ranks: to the common challenges they are responding together, uniting their forces and forming a team. COMECE underlines, however, as few other European institutions have hitherto done, that the process of integration cannot be considered the exclusive task of governments and political institutions. To overcome the “democratic deficit” of the EU, what is needed is the real and conscious participation of citizens. So the bishops explicitly urge electors to cast their vote in early June to elect the MEPs for the next legislature: “By participating in the European Parliament elections, all citizens have the opportunity to contribute to the development and improvement of the European Union”. This is followed by a clear message addressed to Christian citizens: “The Catholic Church has supported the project of European integration since the very beginning and continues to do so. Every Christian not only has the right but also the responsibility to be actively engaged in this project by exercising his or her vote”. For the participation of Christians in political life, starting with participation in the vote (but without being limited to it) is “essential in order to rediscover the «soul of Europe», which is vital to fulfil the fundamental needs of the human person and the service of the common good”. The Declaration does not lack precise indications of what Christians expect from the European Parliament; it provides a carefully pondered and resolute list of them, beginning with respect for human life “from conception to natural death”, and including support for the family, the promotion of individual and social rights (e.g. the social rights of workers), and the overriding need for solidarity within the Community and towards other countries and continents. So the bishops, in advance of the political forces of Europe, are tabling a project of Europe against which citizens can gauge their preferences during the electoral campaign in the 27 States of the Union.