Representatives from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist faiths were in Brussels Monday to talk with the presidents of the EU institutions about rights and liberty and building a partnership for democracy and shared prosperity between Europe and its neighbours.
"The challenges to promote democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, human rights and social justice in Europe can only be met with the active contribution of the religious communities. Today's discussion confirmed our commitment," European Commission President José Manuel Barros said.
"Religions are essential for the social fabric of EU countries. The EP stresses that religious freedom is one of the most fundamental human rights. In order to be effective in its neighbourhood policy, the EU should cooperate with religious groups on issues such as education, health care to rebuilding post-conflict societies," according to EP President. Jerzy Buzek.
"Values can not survive without spiritual, religious or ethical impetus," European Council President Herman Van Rompuy added.
Some 22 faith leaders from 13 EU Members States (the UK, Germany, Sweden, Hungary, France, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Romania, Greece, Cyprus, Poland and the Netherlands) and from Russia and Bosnia-Herzegovina welcomed the EU’s determined engagement.
To restore people's trust in the EU we need quick and tangible results on youth employment and tax fraud, warned Parliament president Martin Schulz at the...(read more) Facebook 
Water is the theme of this year's International Day for Biological Diversity. Essential to life, water has always been an important topic for the Parliament....(read more) Facebook 
The chat with Jan Philipp Albrecht, who is charge of steering the data protection proposal through Parliament, has just started! Don't miss the opportunity to...(read more) Facebook 
What would you do with €1 trillion? That's the amount of taxes lost to fraud and evasion in Europe: €2,000 per citizen per year. Read more about how Parliament...(read more) Facebook 