Dialogue with Churches, religious associations or communities, philosophical and non-confessional organisations 

Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon, provides for the first time, a legal basis for an open, transparent and regular dialogue between the EU institutions and churches, religious associations, and philosophical and non-confessional organisations. It states:

1.  The Union respects and does not prejudice the status under national law of churches and religious associations or communities in the Member States.
2.  The Union equally respects the status under national law of philosophical and non-confessional organisations.
3.  Recognising their identity and their specific contribution, the Union shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with these churches and organisations.

While the first two paragraphs of this article provide for the safeguard of the special status under national law of churches and religious associations or communities, as well as of philosophical and non-confessional organisations enjoying a comparable status, Paragraph 3 calls on EU institutions to maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with these churches and organisations. The European Parliament hosts several high-level conferences each year, open to all dialogue partners, on topical and relevant themes connected with ongoing parliamentary work and debate.

The European Parliament has given effect to the Treaty provisions through the designation by its President of a Vice-President responsible for conducting the dialogue. 

The Vice-President responsible for Article 17 dialogue is Mrs. Antonella Sberna.

The dialogue between the European Parliament and churches, religious associations, philosophical and non-confessional organisations under Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), fulfils a highly important role, especially today, in light of a global scenario filled with rising tensions, increasing complexity and continuous change. 

I am therefore deeply honoured that President Roberta Metsola has entrusted me with this responsibility in my capacity as Vice-President of the European Parliament. The dialogue conducted under the Article 17 TFEU serves as a fundamental platform for addressing the challenges of our time. It offers a space for discussion and exchange between different perspectives and beliefs, enabling us to build a common understanding on crucial issues for the future of Europe.

To effectively respond to these challenges, it is essential to encourage openness to listening and understanding each other’s needs. This inclusive approach is crucial because the European Union is more than just an economic institution; it is a project that profoundly shapes and impacts the lives of its citizens, respects human dignity and supports the pursuit of the common good.

In this context, churches, faith-based groups, as well as non-confessional and philosophical organisations, with their diverse perspectives, are integral to the daily lives of many Europeans. They are rooted in communities across all 27 Member States, whether in large cities, small towns, villages or rural areas.

I am firmly convinced that promoting and nurturing dialogue under Article 17 is of great importance to foster deeper understanding, mutual knowledge and peaceful coexistence, which, in turn, strengthen our democracy, by making it more resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

An open and constructive dialogue can indeed enrich the European Union’s decision-making process, making it more transparent, participatory and focused on the common good, especially at a time when political and social challenges are increasingly interconnected, complex and often hard to interpret.