TOWARDS THE EUROPEAN ELECTIONS

COMECE: message for European elections. Bishops call on citizens to vote. Political choices to relaunch the “European project”

 The author of this article is the Archbishop of Luxembourg and President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community 

From his authoritative point of view and with a pastor’s approach, Msgr. Hollerich looks at the situation on the Old Continent and evaluates in perspective the elections that will take place for the renewal of the European Parliament on 23-26 May, 2019. 

In the article’s penetrating analysis, the article takes stock of the process of European integration, of the populisms which have undermined it by stirring up fear; of the debate about “identity”, which cannot be reduced to a passport; on the importance of democracy; and on other topics. 

The author concludes by affirming that European integration must prove to be in favor of the citizen, and to preserve peace in a world that is more dangerous than ever.

 VERSO LE ELEZIONI EUROPEE

COMECE 

From 23-26 May 2019, all EU citizens across the continent will be responsible for electing the new members of the European Parliament. The electoral results will condition the political decisions impacting our day to day lives for the next 5 years.

“The EU elections offer a great opportunity to make the political choices that will foster a renewed brotherhood amongst people, relaunching the European project”.

European Bishops call upon all believers and people of good will not to fall into the temptation of inward looking but to exercise their rights and question candidates on their personal engagement for human dignity for all.

The EU is facing important challenges and uncertainty. To be able to address them, Europe needs to rediscover its common identity and be protective of persons, families, and cultures, specialy of the most vulnerable.

Excercising the right to vote also means taking responsibility for the EU’s unique role as a multi-lateral actor for peace and economic development. “Care for the environment and sustainable development cannot be limited to the EU borders and electoral results will impact the decisions affecting the entirety of mankind”.

Voting is a necessary first step to preserve the positive achievements of the EU and to pursue new initiatives to make Europe back a key actor for the full development of all persons, families and communities.

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