EU, the voice of believers

“Yes to the truly European dimension of electoral programs, no to programs that make an instrumental use of Europe for egoistic national purposes”. “Yes to a serious analysis of the EU’s limits, no to populist drifts”. “Yes to a new understanding of national interests” and “yes to a European identity that will enhance national and regional specific features”. These are some of the points outlined in the appeal ahead of the European Parliament elections released in Brussels on April 2 by the initiative of Christians for Europe (IXE), that brings together several lay organizations from different States. The purpose, promoters explained, is to “counter disappointment and discouragement” fuelled by the crisis, to “spread confidence and hope” linked to the European project, to guard against dangers linked to nationalisms, xenophobia, and populist movements that grow stronger as the May vote draws near. On the same occasion was inaugurated an interactive website with the purpose of providing information whilst prompting public debate on the upcoming elections. An EU “close to citizens”. The document titled “Towards a Europe of values and fraternity” was presented by Jérôme Vignon on behalf of the Semaines sociales de France (Social Week in France), and by Stefan Vesper, member of the Zentralkomitees der deutschen Katholiken (Central Committee of German Catholics). The paper calls upon EU citizens to support the plan for the creation of a united Europe, it underlines the growing importance of the European Parliament in the EU’s legislative and political process, it recalls the ongoing difficulties linked to the ongoing recession. The appeal reiterates the need for a Europe which is “close to its citizens”, it guards against a community legislation incomprehensible for EU citizens, it indicates the way leading to a different development model based on solidarity. For IXE the “upcoming elections are a concrete opportunity for us all, to ask for a new thrust for Europe”. “The European Parliament is the citizens’ direct representation. The EP’s competences will henceforth cover the full range of EU policies. This is why the Parliament has to become the voice of a common European conscience”. However, the document points out, the crisis has led the EU “on the verge of an existential crisis”, that becomes evident in different ways linked to the lack of employment and to the spread of populism. Abstention, a moral shortcoming. The paper emphasizes a set of historic events (such as the anniversary of the two world wars and the fall of the Berlin Wall), and current events, notably the delicate situation in Ukraine and in the Mediterranean. “People risk their life for freedom and civil rights – values which we enjoy to the full – it would be a moral shortcoming not to vote” the statement underlines. The appeal highlights also the value of “fraternity”, which requires respect for the requirements of justice and the needs of the poor and weak, underlining the international dimension (“No to a Europe which is indifferent to the suffering and the aspirations of the world”), solidarity towards migrants, environmental protection. Debate and protagonism. “Get informed, get inspired, go ahead”: these are the inspirational verbs on the website promoted by the Initiative of Christians for Europe to “help believer be responsible players and protagonists” of the European integration process. The website (http://www.theeuropeexperience.eu/) was presented by Johanna Touzel, coordinator of the project, and by personalities representing European lay Christian movements. The meeting was attended Fr Patrick Daly, General Secretary of the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE). A part of the website – available in 7 languages – “is informative” (Brief yourself about EU policies and think about the challenges they pose); followed by a page for reflection (Take on board Christian social thinking and look at what Christian organizations are saying; with documents drawn up by a team of theologians from European countries); finally, an “interactive box” (Put yourself in the shoes of an MEP and come up with some proposals). In particular, attention focuses on five major themes linked to EU competence: social and economic policies; migration and asylum; sustainability; policies for young people and the family; the EU in the world. Organizers said they hope the website may become “a permanent point of reference” after the elections for debates on the integration process, promoting the networking of local and national associations of Christians committed in the cultural, social and political realms.