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An ecumenical delegation composed of representatives from the Conference of European Churches and the Commission of the Bishops’ Conference of the European Union met in Helsinki. Photo: Conference of European Churches (CEC)

An ecumenical delegation composed of representatives from the Conference of European Churches and the Commission of the Bishops’ Conference of the European Union met in Helsinki. Photo: Conference of European Churches (CEC)

An ecumenical delegation composed of representatives from the Conference of European Churches and the Commission of the Bishops’ Conference of the European Union met in Helsinki on 12 July with Pekka Haavisto, Finnish minister of Foreign Affairs, to exchange on the priorities of the Finnish Presidency of the EU Council.

This meeting is part of a long-standing tradition supported by the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which foresees an open, transparent and regular dialogue between the EU institutions and churches.

The representatives of churches shared with Haavisto their perspectives on four of the Finnish Presidency’s priorities, including common values and the rule of law: cornerstones of EU action; a competitive and socially inclusive EU; climate action: serving integral human development; and comprehensive security and migration.

Churches welcomed the commitment of the Finnish Presidency to actively engage on the future of Europe, focusing particularly on effective measures to increase sustainable growth, foster security and mitigate climate change.

The meeting provided the opportunity to highlight that churches are not only universal networks of faith, but also institutions deeply rooted in local realities working for the common good of societies.

 

Learn more about the "Conference of European Churches (CEC)"