” “These are the major challenges to ensure the future of Europe: to develop "international cooperation to fight poverty, especially in Africa, the exploitation of women and children, as well as the violation of human rights"; "to fight against the causes and consequences of climate change"; "to harmonise the experiences of a greater number of EU member states"; "to respond to the citizens’ expectations" and "to maintain an appropriate welfare state". Another priority is "to bring the citizens close to political institutions that are distant and difficult to understand". We must therefore confirm "with vigour the path that has been covered so far, finding new reasons" for the existence of the European Union, for it to find again its "original dynamism". In this way, "an increasing number of young Europeans" will "really become the greatest asset of Europe". Dialogue between the national and the European institutions to "overcome the current pause for reflection in Europe" must take place in the respect of "human dignity" and of its attendant values, such as "religious freedom in all its dimensions, the institutional rights of the Churches and religious communities", recognising the "Christian heritage of our continent". (to be continued)” “
