As Ireland assumes the presidency of the EU, the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Commission of the Episcopates of the European union (COMECE) expressing Churches’ Concerns and Perspectives have expressed their concerns and perspectives.

Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union at a time of significant challenges and uncertainty, both within the EU and globally. Calls for responses to emerging issues and for reforms of existing policies are growing stronger. In this context, we recognise the efforts of the Irish Presidency to advance key initiatives under its “Strength with Unity” agenda:
– to strengthen our shared values and social cohesion;
– to enhance external and internal security; and
– to promote prosperity and well-being through competitiveness

As the EU institutions are engaged in discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the Irish Presidency will also play an importantrole in fostering a forwardlooking dialogue on the future of Europe. It has become a consolidated and fruitful practice for COMECE (Commission of the Episcopates of the European Union) and CEC (Conference of European Churches) to engage in dialogue with EU Presidencies. This long-standing practice finds its basis in Article 17, paragraph 3 TFEU, which asks for an open, transparent and regular dialogue between the EU on the one hand and Churches, religious associations or communities on the other. Together, CEC and COMECE represent a membership of around 380 million citizens throughout EU Member States, and they are strongly committed to the further development of the European project on the basis of the Christian ideals of human dignity, mutual respect, justice, peace, freedom, and the integrity of creation.

The document can be read here