An event highlighting the role of Christian values in Europe was held at the European Parliament on September 30, 2026, within the framework of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which provides for dialogue between EU institutions and religious organizations.
The event was organized by MEP Dimitris Tsiodras in cooperation with the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO) and the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Freedom of Religion, Belief and Conscience.
Archimandrite Emilianos Chatzivasileiou, Secretary General of the Office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union, delivered an opening address on behalf of Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, President of the Committee of Representatives of Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU).
His address emphasized that Christian values are not merely a matter of historical memory but remain relevant to Europe’s shared future. He stressed Christianity’s contribution to European civilization, highlighting solidarity, openness and respect for human dignity.
Representing CROCEU, Bishop Apostolos of Tanagra, Director of the Office of the Church of Greece to the European Union, addressed the relationship between religious freedom and the rule of law. He emphasized the importance of dialogue that respects both Europe’s historical identity and the identities of others, promoting peaceful coexistence.
European Parliament Vice-President Antonella Sberna, responsible for implementing Article 17, also addressed the gathering.
Other participants included MEPs Evangelos Meimarakis and Miriam Lexmann, IAO Secretary General Maximos Charakopoulos, Bishop Mariano Crociata, President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), Frank Dieter Fischbach, General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches, Dr. Konstantinos Mygdalis, adviser to the IAO, and Alberto Lo Presti, representative of the Focolare Movement.
The discussions focused on the contribution of Christian traditions to European civilization and the importance of interreligious dialogue, religious freedom and mutual respect in contemporary Europe.
