” “"It was an important and fruitful meeting, especially with a view to creating a well-structured dialogue between the EU institutions and the religious communities, as established by article 52 of the Constitution which is about to be ratified". Mgr. Noel Treanor, secretary general of Comece (Commission of the EU episcopates), comments for SIR the meeting that took place in Brussels on Tuesday between the president of the Commission, Barroso, the president of the EU Council, Schüssel, and the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Jewish, Islamic and Buddhist delegates. "It is a work of consultation that began at the time of Delors’ presidency and that now finds new reasons in the challenges thrown by a multiethnic and multi-religious society, by migration, the need for political integration across the continent". Treanor also mentions "the many anthropological issues that need ethical responses: I am thinking of peace, the development of science and technology, research, international cooperation" in support of the poorest countries. "I believe that after this meeting adds mgr. Treanor the EU political leaders will be more and more convinced that religions cannot be overlooked as sources of shared values, wisdom, spiritual energy that our society needs". About the subjects discussed at the meeting, the secretary of Comece highlights "the relation between religious faiths and politics, the integration of immigrants in our countries, the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, cooperation in development and research".” “
