What was this three day session about?
To overcome the violent crisis in Europe democracy had to cross frontiers. For eighty years now European democracy has developed, strengthened and stayed strong to a multitude of crisis scenarios. Unbelievably today war is back on the continent and a global pandemic still holds grip on societies and their economies alike.
In an environment of fading trust in democratic institutions, new technological developments not only bring new opportunities but also carry risks that weaken the foundations of our modern society in the EU today characterised by diversity.
Misuse of private data, disinformation or even governance by artificial intelligence drive a wedge between the private and the public sphere leading to disintegration in a time humanity needs to integrate given the tremendous global challenges ahead. Disinformation being the most perfidious attack on the central pillars of democracy, trust and transparency. In this time of confusion we need to reinforce our dialogues and to engage in our values.
In particular, the workshop in La Pairelle will serve as an unusual space to discuss these major challenges ahead with experts, including members of the EU institutions and religious organizations, fostered by participants from various backgrounds and countries. Join us to discuss new ideas for future perspectives for the EU as the only transnational deliberative democracy and its role in this world.
What happened during the session?
From Friday September 16th to Sunday the 18th, the “Passion for Europe” workshop, jointly organized by JESC and the “Passion for Europe” group, took place in the La Pairelle Spiritual Centre, in Namur, Belgium. About 60 participants from more than 20 nationalities gathered to reflect on issues relevant to Europe, including the state of democracy and some of its threats, the growing presence and influence of technology in our lives, the values that are meaningful to us, the importance of dialogue, and the role of Christianity in today’s society.
The event was made up of sessions in which leading experts in the field of European policy gave presentations to the general audience, and then engaged in debates with other panellists and the public. Additionally, participants were divided into small groups, in which they were able to delve deeper into the topics being discussed. Each group summarised its main conclusions in a document; and then all the groups’ conclusions were consolidated into one overarching text.
The Passion for Europe event was a unique opportunity for participants to look at Europe with some perspective, to reflect on its challenges and opportunities, on what it means to each of us, to listen to others with openness and respect, and to practice the complex but necessary art of dialogue.
The programme included expert and renowned speakers like Herman van Rompuy, former President of the European Council, who gave the keynote speech; Msrg. Franco Coppola, Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium and Luxembourg; Paul F. Nemitz, Principal Advisor in the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the EU Commission; Fr Paolo Benanti T.O.R., Professor of Moral Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University; Sébastien Maillard, Director of the Institut Jacques Delors; Victoria Martin de la Torre, Press officer of the S&D Group in the European Parliament; Clemens Ladenburger, Deputy Director-General of the EU Commission’s legal Department; Sigrid Marz, Board member of UNIAPAC; Andreas Kolodziejak, Economist at the European Commission; and Gyula Ocskay, General Secretary, CESCI (Central European Service for Cross-Border Initiatives).
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JESC - Jesuit European Social Centre
Our core mission at JESC is to reflect on the life, policies and practice of the European Union. We seek engagement which authentically expresses Christian faith, remains close to the poor and marginalised, analyses the social reality with competence, and advocates for justice in European political structures. In a context in which the EU is undergoing the most acute political and economic crisis of its existence, JESC seeks a critical but constructive engagement with the EU.
As a work of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials, JESC expresses the commitment of the Society of Jesus to a Europe where human rights, freedom, and solidarity are the foundation of integration.
As a work of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials, JESC expresses the commitment of the Society of Jesus to a Europe where human rights, freedom, and solidarity are the foundation of integration.
Passion for Europe
A group of Christians of different nationalities and confessions involved in EU activities, was formed as a place to exchange on Europe’s future, based on Pope Francis vision for Europe and the Social Teaching of the Church.
