What is this three day session about?
Each September, the “Passion for Europe” workshop, jointly organized by JESC and the “Passion for Europe” group, takes place in the La Pairelle Spiritual Centre, in Namur, Belgium. About 60 participants from more than 20 nationalities gather 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 is made up of sessions in which leading experts in the field of European policy give presentations to the general audience, and then engage in debates with other panellists and the public. Additionally, participants are divided into small groups for groups sessions, in which they are able to delve deeper into the topics being discussed. This is 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. In particular, the workshop in La Pairelle serves 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.
The last edition of 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).
The last edition of 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).
Organizers
Passion for Europe Group
A group of Christians of different nationalities and confessions involved in EU activities, "Passion for Europe" was formed as a place to exchange on Europe’s present and future. It organizes discussions, workshops and events to promote a vision of Europe based on the Social Teaching of the Church and the care for the European Common Good.
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. To know more about JESC, visit our website at jesc.eu .
Jesuit European Social Centre
Chaussee de Wavre 205 - 1050, Bruxelles Tel: +32 (0)4 653 899 34 Email: europe@jesc.eu Privacy Policy |
Passion for Europe
Rediscovering the European Common Good |