COMECE Urges EU to Strengthen Religious Freedom Safeguards Across Europe

Fruitful Dialogue on Freedom of Religion Under Hungarian EU Presidency

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) took part in the Article 17 TFEU conference, titled “Shared Responsibility: Cooperation Between States and Religious Communities in Europe,” held in Budapest on Friday, October 18, 2024. The event was organized under the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council.

Alessandro Calcagno, COMECE Adviser on Fundamental Rights and Article 17 TFEU issues, emphasized the importance of regular dialogue between EU Presidencies and Churches under Article 17 TFEU. He advocated for such meetings to be a fixed feature of every EU presidency, rather than depending on the goodwill of each rotating leadership.

Calcagno’s address centered on the protection of religious freedom within the EU, covering all its dimensions, including the institutional aspect. He pointed out that “tolerance cannot replace the effective protection of fundamental rights” and urged the EU to take swift action against intolerance and discrimination faced by Christians in Europe. He also called for the appointment of an EU Coordinator to address these challenges.

Touching on the significance of places of worship, Calcagno highlighted their symbolic importance as well as their role in ensuring the fundamental right to freedom of religion. He stressed the need to protect these spaces to safeguard religious freedom across Europe.