There was more to the creation of the European Union than a simple concern to let goods, services and people circulate freely. It was Robert Schuman’s idea that Europe cannot remain only economic and technical: it needs a soul, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recalled this in her recent State ofthe Union address on 15 September 2021.

With this in mind, how can the idea of the “common good” inform and support the EU’s response to major challenges: a global pandemic; climate change; migration? How is the “common good” something different from – or perhaps it is part of – the “common market”? How can we find the common ground for Europeans to act in solidarity with others within and beyond national borders? These are questions raised by believers and non-believers alike.

Churches and faith-based organisations are part of Europe’s efforts towards a more humane and socially conscious world. A society in which human rights and the basic values of peace, justice, freedom, tolerance, participation and solidarity prevail. This conference will bring together policymakers and members of churches and faith-based organisations to explore these crucial questions.

Speakers:

Ms Roberta Metsola, Vice-President of the European Parliament

Mr Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission

Responsible for the implementation of Art 17 TFEU on dialogue with churches, religious associations and non-confessional organisations.

Moderation:

Ms Lena Kumlin, Senior EU Policy Advisor at CEC Conference of European Churches.

The conference is organised within the framework of the 20th Anniversary of the Chapel for Europe in service of European milieus.

COVID SAFE TICKET AND FACE MASKS REQUIRED

Conference: EU in search of the Common Good