Now we must step up the dialogue

A more modern an efficient EU27, increased dialogue with the Churches and greater participation of citizens: this is the European Union redesigned by the Lisbon Treaty in the words of Msgr. Gianni Ambrosio, bishop of Piacenza-Bobbio (Italy) and delegate of the Italian Bishops’ Conference at the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE).It is worthwhile remembering that with art. 17, “the de facto dialogue” between the European institutions and the Churches is formally inscribed in the Treaty. What does the enforcement of the Treaty entail for the EU and for the Churches? “First of all, at political and institutional level, it entails the overcoming of the standstill that came about after France and The Netherlands rejected the European Constitutional Treaty in 2005 and after Ireland’s no-vote to the Lisbon Treaty in 2008, that risked paralyzing the EU. As relates to the relations with the Churches, it must be noted that the ‘open, transparent and ongoing dialogue’ between EU institutions and ecclesial communities is stepped up with art. 17, thus granting the EU closer contact with the citizens. Indeed, by enhancing the ecclesial reality civil society is granted greater importance, while the stabilization of the dialogue leads EU institutions appear less bureaucratic and distant from the people’s daily lives”.A dialogue that has been ongoing for a long time… “Undoubtedly; but more at informal level than between institutions. However, this very informal dialogue undertaken across the years promoted a serene and positive trust relationship between EU and Church leaderships, that among its fruits, led to the institutionalization/formalization of dialogue itself. This step will help the Churches accompany the progress of the European Union in a more constructive manner”.At times the Catholic world seems not to have enough “European sensitivity”…“It’s a delicate question, since the implementation of the European project took place in the years marked by bureaucratization and some claim that the recent enlargements took place too quickly. To this must be added the fear of a prevailing ‘laicist’ vision, perceived as dangerous and alien. Apart from this, I believe the major challenge is participatory democracy, the ability of the various organs at the different levels to truly favour the general interest and the common good of European citizens. The Lisbon Treaty probably follows this direction. I understand there are some reservations; at the same time it’s important to remember the history. Thanks to the European project, we experienced over half a century of peace; while a number of cultural and ideological barriers have fallen. It’s important to highlight all the positive aspects of this burdensome and maybe excessively bureaucratic process, which is however very important for reconciliation, dialogue, solidarity, and for the common good of our societies. Not recognizing them would be wrong from the historical, political and religious standpoint”.The Treaty steps up the role of the EP and integrates the Charter of fundamental rights in European primary legislation…“Stepping up participatory democracy through the Parliament is certainly a major challenge, just like the introduction of a reference to the Charter in the Treaty bears special meaning. However, in my opinion, the most important challenge establishing a link from EU institutions to the concrete life of national communities, so that Europe’s original mission, inscribed in the project of the Founding fathers Schuman, Adenauer and De Gasperi, will shine before everyone’s eyes to see. The Church can play an important role in the proposal and in the enhancement of a European mission that isn’t only economic but also cultural and spiritual”. A primarily cultural commitment?“Yes, since the past years’ emphasis on the bureaucratic and economic aspects often risked blurring the ‘high’ horizon that inspired EU’s foundation. As usual, expectations exceed concrete realizations. However, I do believe that beyond the legal-organizational aspect described in the Treaty, the commitment of the Christian community can contribute to the recovery of citizens’ conscious participation in the building of their common future, making them capable of viewing the EU as a project of hope. Given the economic crisis, climate change, security, justice and peace issues there is no alternative”.