We urgently need a European culture

by | Mar 12, 2018

If you were President of the European Commission (in other words if you had both the responsibility and the decision-making power), what priorities would be on your agenda to maintain and increase unity of peoples in Europe? I believe the most urgent reform to be advanced on a European level is neither economic nor political […]

If you were President of the European Commission (in other words if you had both the responsibility and the decision-making power), what priorities would be on your agenda to maintain and increase unity of peoples in Europe?

I believe the most urgent reform to be advanced on a European level is neither economic nor political in nature, but cultural. What is needed is to gather detailed information on the functioning of European institutions, as well as to source a substantial level of funding for programmes that explore our choice of coming together as one European entity as well as the historical significance of the European integration experiment. Investment in the field of culture (music, art, cinema) and targeting a young audience, is also fundamental. We need to create an awareness and feeling of belonging as European citizens.

How do you see the Churches and Christian Movements and Communities making their contribution to the future of Europe?

Christian Communities have the potential to contribute to the foundations on which the European project might rest in the future. The Christian message of community, social solidarity, civic responsibility which go hand in hand with spiritual growth as intended in the Christian religion is the foundation of our coming together united in our diversity. Europe was born from a vision of great statesmen who shared this spirit of brotherhood. It is this dimension which needs to be rediscovered.

by Federico Castiglioni (Rome, 17/11/88). Holds a Degree in Political Science and is currently pursuing a PhD in European and International studies at the University of Rome III. Federico has published a number of academic and lay articles on the theme of European topicality and the role of the European Union in a globalised world. He is also responsible for External Relations in the Italian section of JEF (Young European Federalists).  

 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Newsletter


RELATED ARTICLES

A visit to Taizé

A visit to Taizé

A visit among friends. This was the wish of three members of the International Steering Committee of Together for Europe (TfE) when they undertook the trip at the beginning of March. Sister Nicole Grochowina (Christusbruderschaft Selbitz), Father Raffael Rieger (Schönstatt Movement) and Matthias Bühlmann (Vineyard) spent three days in France with the Brothers of Taizé.

To pray is to change reality

To pray is to change reality

In various places, initiatives have been started for years now where people from different cultures and nations meet regularly online to pray for an end to wars and for a stable peace in Europe and in the world. These are moments of profoundness, togetherness and sharing. We present here the experiences of Ukraine, Slovenia and Germany. Finally, we conclude with a powerful reflection by Pope Francis on prayer.

Seek the good of the city

Seek the good of the city

‘Seek the good of the city’ (Jer 29:7) is the title of the initiative of Together for Europe in Germany, which will take place in Munich from 27 to 29 June 2025. This is the purpose of the event from the perspective of the organisers.

Cookie Consent with Real Cookie Banner