Greek MEP Emphasises Interfaith Dialogue at European Parliament

A special event at the European Parliament in Brussels focused on strengthening dialogue between the European Union and religious communities. Former Greek Prime Minister and MEP Vangelis Meimarakis highlighted the importance of institutional engagement in a period of increasing social and religious polarization.

In his remarks, Meimarakis referenced Article 17 of the Lisbon Treaty, noting that the EU’s engagement with religious communities is a substantive element of European democracy and a key factor for social cohesion. He stressed that, amid geopolitical tensions and conflicts in Europe’s neighbourhood, building trust between institutions and civil society, as well as advancing interfaith dialogue, is essential for stability.

The timing of the event, coinciding with Ramadan and Lent, was highlighted as symbolic, illustrating how different religious traditions can converge on shared values, including self-discipline, solidarity, and mutual respect.

Speakers at the event included Dr Maximos Charakopoulos, Secretary-General of the Hellenic Parliament for New Democracy and MP for Larissa; Metropolitan Ieronymos of Larissa and Tyrnavos; Romanian MEP Loránt Vincze; COMECE President Bishop Mariano Crociata; Dr Sarah Markiewicz of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; Dr Konstantinos Mygdalis of the Inter-Orthodox Parliamentary Assembly; and Jeff Fountain, Director of the Schuman Center for European Studies.

Also in attendance were the Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, along with MEPs, MPs, and representatives from various religious communities. The event underscored the EU’s commitment to maintaining institutional dialogue as a critical element of social cohesion across Europe.