On common principles

“It was a very positive meeting which expressed the will to continue the dialogue between the European Union and the religious communities, based on common principles”, said FRANCO FRATTINI , Vice-President of the European Commission. Frattini had participated in the meeting between the institutions of Brussels (European Commission, Parliament and Council) and the representatives of the monotheist religions in Europe, held on 15 May. But other important meetings awaited him during the same week: in recent days the Commission has defined – as the Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security himself explained during an interview with SIR – “a strategy on the global approach to migration from Eastern and South-Eastern areas” of the continent, without ignoring the EU-Russia in Samara and the negotiations now underway to revive the Constitutional Treaty. Commissioner Frattini, did any common denominator emerge during the meeting between EU heads and Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders? “The centrality of human dignity was re-affirmed by all the religious representatives; it is a fundamental value on which to base dialogue between cultures and faiths, aimed at peaceful co-existence. Respect for the individual, for fundamental rights and liberties, was invoked as the mainstay for the creation of a peaceful and respectful community and an open and tolerant society”. With regard to fundamental rights and religions, some time ago the publication of cartoons making fun of the prophet Mahomet had aroused the protests of the Islamic communities and a heated debate on whether freedom of expression should be curbed or not. What’s your view? “It is inconceivable to think of censoring or limiting the freedom of the press. That would run counter to the principles of pluralism that form part of the DNA of the European Union. But during our meeting on Tuesday a strong and shared emphasis was registered on the absolute respect that we owe to the human person, which comes second to no other value. We may think of the protection of privacy, of freedom of religious belief and expression itself… I was one of the first to criticize the publication of those cartoons and any other form of expression that defames or is prejudicial to the deeply held convictions of individuals or communities. I am convinced that the media must show greater responsibility. But at the same time I denounced the reactions, sometimes violent, that followed that episode. Respect and moderation are needed from everyone”. What aspects in particular did you emphasize during the meeting? “I had occasion to describe the various initiatives of the Commission in the fields that fall within my competence and in particular the integration of regular immigrants in our societies. Community policies and pilot projects are now being implemented, aimed at integrating foreigners in the social and economic fabric of member states, while fostering at the same time the diversity of cultures and traditions represented by immigrants. Respect for religious diversity is of course a central plank of these policies. On the other hand, the need for immigrants to respect the laws in force and the values that form part of the European heritage was also underlined. For example, the practice of polygamy and forced marriages cannot be tolerated”. In recent days the Commission approved a Communication on immigration from Eastern Europe. What is it about? “In 2005 the EU adopted a global approach to the phenomenon of migration, which links this problem with external relations and development policy so as to tackle the problem in an integrated and global way and in partnership with third countries. The approach initially concerned Africa and the Mediterranean area. But it is now being extended to the countries of Eastern and South-Eastern Europe close to EU frontiers, including Turkey, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, the southern Caucasus and the Russian Federation. The problems that need to be tackled are enormous. Just think of the question alone of the trafficking of women from Eastern Europe and forced into prostitution. And then there’s the whole issue of economic migration: in this case we are trying to reach agreements with the countries of provenance to channel migratory flows on the basis of real offers of work in Europe. At the same time we intend to crack down on those who exploit clandestine immigrants”. Any forthcoming commitments in this sector? “We are organizing a European Forum on Integration due to be held in Milan in October. It will review the situation in member states and make proposals”. A final question: will the meetings with religious leaders continue? “Of course. All those present expressed the need to give a more permanent structure to these meetings and President Barroso renewed his invitation to re-convene next spring. But at the same time intermediate meetings were promised: i.e. meetings between experts, designated by the EU and by the Churches, on individual issues, beginning precisely with the integration of immigrants”.