INTERCULTURAL & RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

ACTIVITY REPORT 2018 INTERCULTURAL & RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE Activity Report 2018

INTERCULTURAL & RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

ACTIVITY REPORT 2018

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INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENT DATE ACTIVITY PAGE The EPP Group Intercultural and Religious Dialogue activities aim to promote mutual understanding and an active sense of European citizenship for a peaceful living together. Decision makers are called 6 February Working Group Meeting 7 to provide answers to the complex crisis with political, economic, religious and cultural implications on Initiatives of religious organisations to face climate change in Europe. with CEC

'Intercultural and Religious Dialogue’ does not mean theological discussions in the European 28 February Conference on Oriental Christians in MASHREQ Region: 9 Consequences of the conflicts in the Middle-East on the Parliament. It is about listening to people from the sphere of religion and exchanging views with Christians Communities and future perspectives representatives of academia, governments, European Institutions on issues of common interest or concern and in connection to religion and intercultural relations. 6 March Seminar on the Importance for Europe to Protect Christian 13 Cultural - Views from the Orthodox Churches The Working Group on 'Intercultural and Religious Dialogue' is an official structure of the EPP 13 March Working Group Meeting 16 Group and is co-chaired by MEP and György Hölvényi MEP, in which a number of EPP on the roots of fundamental rights and the rule of law Group Members of the gather monthly to deal with religious and intercultural issues. 20 March Extraordinary Working Group Meeting 17 with Testimonies of Christian university students from the Middle East and Africa

22 March Working Lunch with Ambassadors (OIC, Turkey, Ivory Coast) 18

10 April Meeting with Journalists on Politics and Religions: EPP Group´s 18 approach to dialogue with representatives of Churches and religious communities

10 April Conference on Religious rituals and Fundamental Rights 20

24 April Extraordinary Working Group Meeting on Religious freedom in 22 light of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

2 May Conference with Orthodox Churches: 24 Visit of Patriarch Philaret from Ukraine

2 May Annual Dinner with all Ambassadors of OIC member states 27

29 May Working Group Meeting on the situation of Christians in Syria 28

12 June Working Group Meeting on current points of dialogue between 29 Bishops’ Conferences and political authorities of the EU

Manfred Weber MEP, Chairman of the European People's Party Group (EPP Group) in the EP and the Co-Chairmen of 27 June Extraordinary Working Group Meeting 30 the EPP Group Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue: György Hölvényi MEP and Jan Olbrycht MEP with H.E. Joseph Tobji, Maronite Archbishop of Aleppo

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TABLE OF CONTENT EPP Working Group DATE ACTIVITY PAGE INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE 27 June Working lunch with High - Level religious Delegation 31 STRASBOURG, TUESDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2018 from Azerbaijan EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 27 June Seminar on Interreligious Dialogue in International Relations 33 AGENDA 28 - 29 June Visit to Georgia and Conference on the role of Churches and 35 religious communities in the European Integration process: 1. Opening by the Co-Chairman of the Working Group Mr Jan Olbrycht MEP Georgia - EU perspective 2. Exchange of views with Rev. Dr Peter Pavlovic, Study Secretary at the Conference of European Churches on “Initiatives of Religious Organisations to face climate change” 3 July Working Group Meeting 39 on Victims of Ethnic and Religious Violence in the Middle East 3. Date of next meeting

11 September Working Group Meeting on Antisemitism in Europe 40

12 September Working Group Lunch Meeting 41 with Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich S.J., President of COMECE

25 September Meeting with OIC Ambassadors from ASEAN countries 42

5 - 6 October Churches Conference in Krakow 43

9 October Working breakfast on the Role of religious actors in Conflict 49 prevention, management and resolution

17 - 19 October XXI Annual Interreligious Dialogue in Lisbon (Mafra) 51

13 November Working Group Meeting with Israel’s Ambassador to the EU 58

28 November “Religions and the culture of peace” Seminar on the promotion of 60 Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue

4 December Presentation of the Aid to the Church in Need ‘Freedom 64 of religion’ Report

6 -7 December Interreligious Dialogue Initiatives: 66 Tunne Kelam MEP, Rev. Dr Peter Pavlovic, Rev. Sören Lenz, Sean Kelly MEP The model of “Courtyard of the Gentiles” and other initiatives of Dialogue in the Vatican/Rome Climate change is a matter for all. It is a moral and ethical challenge that goes beyond denominational and religious differences. Climate change, sustainable development, and care for creation are intertwined with the Christian faith. Thus, faith communities can and must play a clear role in responding to widespread ecological devastation and building up sustainable communities.

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VISIT OF H.E. MONS. JEAN-CLÉMENT JEANBART ARCHBISHOP OF THE MELKITE GREEK CATHOLIC ARCHEPARCHY OF ALEPPO, SYRIA

CONFERENCE ON ORIENTAL CHRISTIANS IN MASHREQ REGION: THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONFLICTS IN THE MIDDLE-EAST ON THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES

WEDNESDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2018 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, BRUSSELS

PROGRAMME

WELCOME

György Hölvényi MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue of the EPP Group

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Mons. Jean-Clément Jeanbart, Archbishop of the Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Aleppo, Syria

SHORT INTERVENTIONS BY REPRESENTATIVES OF RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS

• Rev. Olivier Poquillon OP, General Secretary of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the EU (COMECE) • Archimandrite Fr. Aimilianos Bogiannou, Director of Liaison Office of the Orthodox Church to the • Elizabeta Kitanović, Executive Secretary for Human Rights, Conference of European Churches (CEC) • Michel Varton, Director of Open Doors, France

INTERVENTIONS BY EPP GROUP MEPS AND DEBATE

• Mairead McGuinness, First Vice-President of the European Parliament, responsible for dialogue with religions • Michèle Alliot-Marie MEP, Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula and Head of the Study Group on Eastern Christians in the European Parliament • Cristian Dan Preda MEP, EPP Group Coordinator for Foreign Affairs

CONCLUSIONS

Jan Olbrycht, MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue of the EPP Group

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Jean-Clément Jeanbart, Greek Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo, expressed the hope that the European Parliament, using its influence, would promote peace-building in Syria through a political solution. The greatest challenge is to help the return of Christians, especially for those who sought shelter not only in other parts of the country or in the surrounding states, but who left their home country far behind. Jean-Clément Jeanbart recalled that his visit to Hungary also contributed to his aspirations. MEPs urged the European Union and its Member States to give priority support to the return of Christians to their ancient cities as soon as possible. More effective peace-building initiatives and diplomatic efforts are needed from Europe, with an increased humanitarian assistance.

László Tőkés MEP, Tunne Kelam MEP, Željana Zovko MEP, Rev. Olivier Poquillon OP, General Secretary of COMECE

View of the meeting room

Mons Jean-Clément Jeanbart, Archbishop of the Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Aleppo, Syria and György Hölvényi MEP

György Hölvényi MEP, Jean-Clément Jeanbart, Greek Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo, , President of the European Parliament, Jan Olbrycht MEP

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EPP GROUP INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS

DIALOGUE:

SEMINAR ON THE IMPORTANCE FOR EUROPE TO PROTECT CHRISTIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 6 MARCH 2018

PROGRAMME

OPENING MESSAGES

• György Hölvényi MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue of the EPP Group • Jan Olbrycht MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue of the EPP Group • Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium on behalf of Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU)

SESSION I

THE PROTECTION OF MONUMENTS AS PART OF THE LIVE EUROPEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE Chair: Cristian Dan Preda MEP, EPP Group Coordinator for Foreign Affairs

INTERVENTIONS

• Christodoulos Hadjichristodoulou, Byzantinologist, Curator of Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, Church of Cyprus • Svetoslav Hristov Malinov MEP • Ionuţ Bursuc, Expert-manager in Restoration Projects, Patriarchate of Romania

SESSION II

THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF THE CHRISTIAN HERITAGE VIA EDUCATION Chair: Reverend Protopresbyter Dr. Georgios Lekkas, Advisor of the Representation Office of the Church of Greece in E.U.

INTERVENTIONS

• Bishop Kyrillos of Abydos, Ecumenical Patriarchate • Marijana Petir MEP

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• Bishop Victor of Baryshevka, Head of the Representation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to the European International Organizations

CONCLUSIONS

• Archimandrite Fr. Aimilianos Bogiannou, Moderator of Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU) Across Europe, there are hundreds of thousands of churches, which need to be preserved as Europe’s cultural heritage and source of identity. Cultural and religious heritage has a universal value for people and societies. In 2015, the European Parliament adopted, for the first time, a Report on an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe. The document acknowledged that religious heritage constitutes an intangible part of European cultural heritage and that historical religious heritage must be preserved for its cultural value, regardless of its religious origins. The EPP Group is the leading political group which promotes interreligious understanding through regular cooperation with Churches. 2018 was called the European Year of Cultural Heritage.

Svetoslav Hristov Malinov MEP, Cristian Dan Preda MEP, György Hölvényi MEP, Paolo Licandro, Former DSG, EPP Group

Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium

Elisabetta Gardini MEP, Marijana Petir MEP, Jan Olbrycht MEP

View of the meeting room

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EPP Working Group EPP Working Group INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE STRASBOURG, TUESDAY, 13 MARCH 2018 INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT EXTRAORDINARY MEETING AGENDA “TESTIMONIES OF CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS FROM 1. Opening by the Co-Chairmen of the Working Group Mr György Hölvényi MEP and Mr Jan THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA” Olbrycht MEP BRUSSELS, TUESDAY, 20 MARCH 2018 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 2. Presentation by and exchange of views with Fr Olivier Poquillon OP, General Secretary, Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the EU (COMECE) on “The roots of fundamental AGENDA rights and the rule of law” 1. Opening by the Co-Chairman of the Working Group Mr György Hölvényi MEP 3. Any other business 2. Presentation by Fr. Charbel Eid, Co-President of Committee for the Support of Eastern 4. Date of next meeting Christians in Belgium, Superior of the Maronite Community of the Bois-Seigneur-Isaac Abbey 3. Testimonies by university students from Iraq and Nigeria on the situation of Christian communities in their countries and their scholarships in the frame of the “Stipendium Hungaricum” programme 4. Q&A with the students

5. Any other business

Marijana Petir MEP, Fr Olivier Poquillon OP, Cristian Dan Preda MEP, Alojz Peterle MEP Marijana Petir MEP, György Hölvényi MEP, Elisabetta Gardini MEP, Michaela Šojdrová MEP University students from the Middle East and Africa presented their unique testimonies on the situation of their Christian Communities in the respective countries. They also shared their experiences in relation to Hungary’s special educational programme “Scholarship for Christian Young People”. The scholarship enables persecuted Christians to go through university education in Europe, with a view to return afterwards to their home country.

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EPP Working Group

INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE WORKING LUNCH WITH AMBASSADORS (OIC, TURKEY, IVORY COAST)

BRUSSELS, 22 MARCH 2018 12.00-13.30 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT MEPS RESTAURANT, GROUND FLOOR

AGENDA

1. Welcome by the Co-Chairs of the Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue

2. Exchange of views and proposals of possible topics to be discussed during the Annual working dinner with the Ambassadors of OIC on 2 May 2018

3. Conclusions

EPP Working Group

INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE MEETING WITH JOURNALISTS ON POLITICS AND RELIGIONS: EPP GROUP´S APPROACH TO DIALOGUE WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES BRUSSELS, TUESDAY, 10 APRIL 2018 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

AGENDA

1. Opening by the Co-Chairman of the Working Group Mr Jan Olbrycht MEP

2. Presentation and exchange of views on Politics and Religions: EPP Group´s approach to dialogue with representatives of Churches and religious communities

3. Any other business

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EPP GROUP INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS Freedom of religion, as a fundamental right, represents a central pillar of our society, and is the origin of manifold cultures as we know them today. Despite this legacy, very often today Religion is portrayed DIALOGUE or manipulated into something divisive by religious extremists and cynical opportunists. CONFERENCE ON RELIGIOUS RITUALS AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS The event aimed at presenting and re-asserting the central role religions and ideologies can play by BRUSSELS, TUESDAY, 10 APRIL 2018 bringing together and shaping a modern, democratic and pluralist European society. Religion acts as EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT an identifier and promoter of the intrinsic shared values of life: respect of the other, the sanctity and a vision of a world that can and must achieve peace. Dialogue between cultures and differing ideologies PROGRAMME is a key for the social cohesion and the overall health of our society. WELCOME

Jan Olbrycht MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Rabbi Avi Tawil, Director of the European Jewish Community Centre (EJCC)

INTERVENTIONS

• Thomas Gergely, Professor at ULB and Director of the Martin Buber Judaism studies Institute • Rev. Olivier Poquillon OP, General Secretary of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) • Dr Elizabeta Kitanovic, Executive Secretary for Human Rights of Conference of European Churches in Brussels. (CEC) • Salah Echallaoui, Muslim Executive of Belgium (EMB) Marijana Petir MEP, Alex Benjamin, Director of Public Affairs, European Jewish Association (EJA), Jan Olbrycht • Vincent Depaigne, Coordinator of the Dialogue with Churches, Religions and Philosophical and MEP, Rabbi Avi Tawil, Director of the European Jewish Community Centre (EJCC) Non-confessional Organisations,

• Claude Cahn, Human Rights Officer in the Regional Office for Europe of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner (OHCHR)

DISCUSSION

CLOSING REMARKS

Alex Benjamin, Director of Public Affairs, European Jewish Association (EJA)

Thomas Gergely, Professor at ULB, Rev. Olivier Poquillon OP, General Secretary of COMECE, Dr Elizabeta Kitanovic, Executive Secretary for Human Rights of CEC, Salah Echallaoui, Muslim Executive of Belgium (EMB), Vincent Depaigne, Coordinator of the Dialogue with Churches, Religions and Philosophical and Non-confessional Organisations Unit, European Commission, and Claude Cahn, Human Rights Officer in the Regional Office for Europe of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner

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EPP Working Group

INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE EXTRAORDINARY MEETING BRUSSELS, TUESDAY, 24 APRIL 2018 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

AGENDA

1. Welcome by Marijana Petir MEP and Jan Olbrycht MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group

2. Exchange of views with Salvatore Martinez, President of the Vatican Foundation ‘International Center Family of Nazareth’ and Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office 2018 on Combatting Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination on “Religious freedom in light of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

2018 marked the 70th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. In its article 18 it is stressed that "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance”.

Salvatore Martinez, President of the Vatican Foundation ‘International Center Family of Nazareth’ and Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office 2018 on Combatting Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, Marijana Petir MEP, Anna Zaborska MEP, Csaba Sógor MEP

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EPP GROUP INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE CONFERENCE ON “UKRAINE IN TIMES OF INDEPENDENCE: THE ORTHODOX KIEV PATRIARCHATE AND THE CHALLENGES OF A CHANGING SOCIETY” BRUSSELS, WEDNESDAY, 2 MAY 2018 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

PROGRAMME

OPENING AND WELCOME Ukrainian Patriarch Philaret visited the European Parliament and met with President Tajani, Vice-President Ms Mc Guinness, and the co-chairs of the EPP Intercultural and Religious Dialogue, Mr György Hölvényi MEP and Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, MEP, Vice-Chair of the Eurolat Delegation; Former Ambassador Mr Jan Olbrycht MEP as well as with other EPP Group Members. Mairead MCGUINNESS, First Vice-President of the European Parliament, responsible for dialogue with religious and non-confessional organisations Patriarch Philaret underlined the important role Christianity has played in the development of KEYNOTE SPEECHES European values and traditions. In order to deal with external challenges and internal contradictions INTRODUCTION it is important to remember the true foundation of real European values, the roots of which are in Archbishop YEVSTRATY, Archbishop of Chernihiv and Nizhyn, Representative to the European Christianity and democracy. He discussed the problem of corruption in Ukraine and stressed that the Institutions EU has to face this pressing issue. There has been evidence of common interest in deepening and expanding the dialogue and the H.H. PATRIARCH PHILARET, Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine, Primate of Ukrainian Orthodox cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. Ukraine is considered a priority partner within the context Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate of the EU’s Eastern Partnership. The Association Agreement from 2014 promotes deeper political Metropolitan EPIPHANY, Patriarchal Vicar of Pereyaslav and Bila Tserkva ties, stronger economic links and respect for common values. It has enhanced EU-Ukraine cooperation in a wide range of areas. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been a promoter of deeper European INTERVENTIONS integration and has sought independence from the Moscow Patriarchate. , EU Commissioner, European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations, complimented on the positive developments in Ukraine since 2014, but underlined the need for Mykola TOCHYTSKIY, Ambassador of Ukraine to the EU further reforms. Dariusz ROSATI, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to Ukraine Metropolitan Epiphany explained aspects of the “ELEOS -Ukraine” organisation aiming at overcoming the challenges of the modern society and the military conflict in the East of Ukraine. The “ELEOS- , Vice-Chair of the EPP Group, Chair for Enlargement and Mediterranean Ukraine” provides medical, legal services and humanitarian assistance to people with disabilities, as Policy well as publication of Ukrainian-language religious texts in braille for the blind. The services include training military chaplains to provide psychological support to people who have suffered during DEBATE hostilities in the area of the antiterrorist operation and to their families and the treatment of post- FINAL REMARKS traumatic stress disorder. Ambassador Tochitsky underlined the need of an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church in order Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, MEP, Vice-Chair of the Eurolat Delegation to ensure complete Ukrainian independence.

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EPP GROUP INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE ANNUAL PRESIDENCY WORKING DINNER WITH THE AMBASSADORS TO THE EU FROM THE ORGANISATION OF THE ISLAMIC COOPERATION (OIC)

PRESIDENTIAL DINNING SALON 12TH FLOOR PHS BUILDING EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT BRUSSELS WEDNESDAY, 02 MAY 2018

Andrey Kovatchev MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group, Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner, Mairead McGuinness MEP, First Vice-President of the EP, Miroslav Mikolášik MEP, H.H. Patriarch Philaret, Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine, Primate of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate, Metropolitan Epiphany, Patriarchal Vicar of Pereyaslav and Bila Tserkva, Archbishop Yevstraty, Archbishop of Chernihiv and Nizhyn, Representative to the European Institutions

View of the meeting room

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INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE EPP Working Group WORKING GROUP MEETING ON THE SITUATION OF CHRISTIANS IN SYRIA INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE STRASBOURG, TUESDAY, 29 MAY 2018 WORKING GROUP MEETING 08.30 – 09.30 HRS. LOW MEP SALON STRASBOURG, TUESDAY, 12 JUNE 2018 08.30 – 09.30 HRS. AGENDA LOW MEP SALON

1. Opening by the Co-Chairman of the Working Group Mr Jan Olbrycht MEP AGENDA 2. Presentation by and exchange of views with Mr György Hölvényi MEP, Co-Chairman of the 1. Opening by the Co-Chairmen of the Working Group Mr György Hölvényi MEP and Mr Jan Working Group: “Is there any hope for Christian Communities in Syria?” Information and Olbrycht MEP Impressions from a field visit to Aleppo, Damascus and Homs 2. Presentation by and exchange of views with Fr Olivier Poquillon OP, General Secretary, 3. Any other business Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the EU (COMECE) on Current points of dialogue between Bishops’ Conferences and political authorities of the European Union 4. Date of next meeting 3. Preparatory discussion of the September meeting with new COMECE President Archbishop Between 20 and 27 April, Co-chairman Hölvényi had the opportunity to organise a one-week field visit to Jean-Claude Hollerich S.J. Syria on the invitation of the Partiarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II. 4. Any other business Prior to the outbreak of the civil war in Syria, 2 million Christians lived in the country, representing 10 percent of the overall population. By 2018, approx. two-third of the Christian faithful escaped Syria. 5. Date of next meeting According to current estimations, the remaining Christian population counts around 700 000 people at most, still exposed to serious existential threats and martyrdom.

MAIN FINDINGS OF THE VISIT: Christians in Syria experience a historic moment of preserving their existence in the country. Churches and religious leaders are strategic partners for providing European aid as contribution to reconstruction works. Major rebuilding works in Aleppo and Homs are effectively coordinated by the churches, in cooperation with faith- based relief organisations as Aid to the Church in Need among many others. The Syriac Orthodox Church has extraordinary capacities to plan and realise humanitarian programmes, having strong potential for partnerships for European actions. Priority need for assistance exists in the field of housing, medical supplies and education. The transfers of European financing on education and healthcare are vital for enabling youth and Christian faithful return to their homeland, despite of sanctions in force against the country. Religious leaders are very much grateful for the direct support of individual European governments, such as Hungary, France, Germany or , providing already visible Fr Olivier Poquillon OP, General Secretary COMECE with Željana Zovko MEP results.

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EPP Working Group EPP GROUP INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE WORKING LUNCH WITH EXTRAORDINARY MEETING HIGH - LEVEL RELIGIOUS DELEGATION FROM AZERBAIJAN BRUSSELS, WEDNESDAY, 27 JUNE 2018 WEDNESDAY, 27 JUNE 2018, BRUSSELS 08.30 – 09.30 HRS. 12H15 - 13H30 ASP MEP SALON MEPS RESTAURANT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AGENDA DRAFT AGENDA 1. Opening by the Co-Chairmen of the Working Group Mr György Hölvényi MEP and Mr Jan Olbrycht MEP 12h15 Welcome drink 12h30 Opening 2. Exchange of views with H.E. Joseph Tobji, Maronite Archbishop of Aleppo, Syria, on the situation in the city since December 2016 Opening by the Co-Chair of the Working Group Jan OLBRYCHT, MEP 12h35 Interreligious dialogue as a tool of reconciliation 3. End of meeting Introduction by Željana ZOVKO, MEP, standing shadow rapporteur for Azerbaijan 12h45 Exchange of views with the delegation from Azerbaijan 12h30 End of working lunch

The ecclesiastical guest reported about the various types of help provided by the organizations of Churches. He explained that those Christians who fled Aleppo and decided to return, face challenges such as poverty, destruction, and shortages of basic goods. The embargo complicates the arrival of foreign aid. The Christians of Aleppo persevere with the help of the local Church. This is the main reason why the Archbishop called on the EPP Group MEPs to help the Church getting easier access Željana Zovko MEP with High - Level Religious Delegation from Azerbaijan to important foreign aid.

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EPP GROUP INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE SEMINAR ON INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS WEDNESDAY, 27 JUNE 2018 16:00-17:30 ROOM ASP 5H-1, EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, BRUSSELS

PROGRAMME

16:00 WELCOME • György Hölvényi MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue of the EPP Group

16:10 INTERVENTIONS • H.E. Joseph Tobji, Maronite Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo, Syria • Rabbi Avi Tawil, Director of the European Jewish Community Centre (EJCC) • Natalino Valentini, Director of the Istituto Superiore di Scienze Religiose (ISSR), “A. Marvelli”, diocesi di Rimini e di San Marino-Montefeltro • Massimiliano Zarri, lawyer, scientific collaborator of the ISSR, expert in vocational training and family mediation • Maroun Karam, President, Maronite League, Belgium

17:10 DISCUSSION

17:30 END OF SEMINAR

Constructive dialogue between different socio-religious communities plays a crucial role today, not only from a cultural and spiritual point of view, but also in social, political and international relations, taking on particular importance in processes of integration and pacification.

The guest speakers discussed these issues with EPP Group Members and the Maronite Archibishop of Alep, Mons. Joseph Tobji, as well as with other high-ranking European representatives of religious organisations.

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EPP GROUP INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

ROUND TABLE MEETING “THE ROLE OF CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES IN THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS: THE GEORGIA - EU PERSPECTIVE “ 29 JUNE 2018, TBILISI (GEORGIA) TBILISI MARRIOTT HOTEL RUSTAVELI AVENUE 13, TBILISI 0108 GEORGIA

Maronite Archibishop of Alep, Mons. Joseph Tobji FRIDAY, 29 JUNE

09.00-10.30

SESSION 1 - REPRESENTATIVES OF ACADEMIA AND THE CIVIL SOCIETY

HOW DO THE ACADEMIC WORLD AND CIVIL SOCIETY SEE THE ROLE THAT RELIGION CAN PLAY IN GEORGIA IN THE 21ST CENTURY? PERSPECTIVES AND EXPECTATIONS

09.00 OPENING OF THE EVENT

Jan OLBRYCHT MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Tunne Kelam MEP, György Hölvényi MEP, Paolo Licandro and Romain Strasser, EPP Group Secretariat Dialogue of the European People's Party Group (EPP Group) in the European Parliament

INTERVENTIONS:

09.05-09.15 Prof. Dr. Vaja VARDIDZE, Rector of Sulkhaw-Saba Orbeliani Teaching University

09.15-09.25 Ghia TARKHAN-MOURAVI, Co-director of Policy Studies Institute (Tbilisi)

09.25-09.35 Prof. Sandra SCHOTT, Free University Brussels 09.35-09.45 Ketevan CHACHAVA, Executive Director of Center for Development and Democracy (CDD) 09.45-09.55 Dr. Sophie ZVIADADZE, Associate Professor at Ilia State University, Faculty of Art and Science, Religion and Culture Studies Anna Zaborska MEP

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09.55-10.05 Ghia ABASHIDZE, Journalist, Policy officer of the EU Delegation to Georgia 12.40 CLOSING REMARKS

10.05 OPENING OF DISCUSSION György HÖLVÉNYI MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue of the European People's Party Group (EPP Group) in György HÖLVÉNYI MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural the European Parliament and Religious Dialogue of the European People's Party Group (EPP Group) in the European Parliament 13.00-14.30 LUNCH

10.45 - 11.15 COFFEE BREAK A delegation headed by the Co-Chairs of the EPP Group Intercultural and Religious Dialogue, J. Olbrycht and G. Hölvényi, visited Tbilisi (Georgia) on 28-29 June in the frame of the Conference 11.15-13.00 “The role of Churches and religious communities in the European Integration process : the Georgia SESSION 2 - REPRESENTATIVES OF CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES - EU perspective”. HOW DO THE DIFFERENT CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES SEE THE EU INTEGRATION PROCESS? OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES. Organised by the EPP Group Secretariat, Intercultural and Religious Dialogue, the conference, in a frame of round table meeting, was an occasion to discuss during two sessions with representatives of academia and the civil society and the high representatives of Churches and religious communities. OPENING OF THE SESSION At the meeting with the clergy, the representatives from various churches and confessions expressed 11.15-11.25 György HÖLVÉNYI MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural their support and commitment towards the country’s European aspirations, while MEP Olbrycht was and Religious Dialogue of the European People's Party Group (EPP Group) in quick to underline the importance of religion and spirituality for the European Union and dismiss the European Parliament the harmful stereotypes concerning the religion, the question of morality, and the question of family 11.25-11.35 His Eminence Prof. Dr. METROPOLITAN GRIGOLI of Poti and Khobi, Rector of inside the EU. Poti New Georgian University The focal point of the two-day visit was the meeting with the Catholicos Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II, 11.35-11.45 Bishop JACOB (Iakobashvili) of BODBE – Vicar of Patriarch of Georgia who thanked the guests for the visit and the assistance provided to Georgia at the international level. The MEPs thanked the Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia for his hospitality, declaring that the role 11.45-11.55 Bishop VARZGEN (Mirzakhanyan) of the Georgian Diocese of Armenian of his Holiness was instrumental in maintaining the peace in the Caucasus region and expressed their Apostolic Orthodox Holy Church hope and willingness to further strengthening relationship with his church. 11.55-12.05 Ramin IGIDOV, Sheikh of whole Georgian Muslim Community

12.05-12.15 Beglar KAMASHIDZE, Mufti of whole Georgian Muslim Community

12.15-12.25 Rabbi Avimelech ROSENBLATH, Jewish Community of Georgia

12.25 OPENING OF DISCUSSION Jan OLBRYCHT MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue of the European People's Party Group (EPP Group) in the European Parliament

Jan Olbrycht MEP with Catholicos Patriarch of Georgia, Ilya II

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EPP Working Group

INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE WORKING BREAKFAST ON ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST STRASBOURG, TUESDAY, 3 JULY 2018 08.30 – 09.30 HRS. LOW MEP SALON

AGENDA

1. Opening by the Co-Chairmen of the Working Group Mr György Hölvényi MEP and Mr Jan H.E. Dr. Viktória Horváth. Ambassador of Hungary to Georgia, Romain Strasser, EPP Group, Olbrycht MEP Anna Zaborska MEP, György Hölvényi MEP

2. Presentation by and exchange of views with Mr Christos Stylianides,

for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management on: Victims of Ethnic and Religious Violence in the Middle East

3. Any other business

4. Date of next meeting

György Hölvényi MEP with conference speakers

György Hölvényi MEP, Christos Stylianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Romain Strasser, EPP Group, Tunne Kelam MEP

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EPP Working Group EPP Working Group

INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE WORKING BREAKFAST ON ANTISEMITISM IN EUROPE WORKING LUNCH STRASBOURG, TUESDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2018 STRASBOURG, WEDNESDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 2018 08.30 – 09.30 HRS. SALON C2.1 ZONE CANAL LOW MEP RESTAURANT AGENDA AGENDA 1. Welcome by the Co-Chairman of the Working Group Mr Jan Olbrycht MEP 1. Opening by the Co-Chairmen of the Working Group Mr György Hölvényi MEP and Mr Jan Olbrycht MEP 2. Lunch and exchange of views with His Excellency Mgr. Jean-Claude Hollerich S.J., Archbishop of Luxembourg, President of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the EU (COMECE) 2. Presentation by and exchange of views with Mr Ludwig Spaenle, Bavarian State Government on: How to foster bilateral cooperation with COMECE, with the aim to play a responsible role in appointee in charge of issues related to Jewish Life and fighting Antisemitism, former Bavarian European Affairs Minister for "Education, Cult (religious affairs), Science and Art" on: "Anti-Semitism and Nationalism - An Attack on the Religious and Democratic Foundations of Europe" 3. End of lunch

3. Any other business

4. Date of next meeting

Mgr. Jean-Claude Hollerich S.J., Archbishop of Luxembourg, President of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the EU (COMECE)

At a time when the EU is facing many challenges, cooperation and close coordination of efforts are crucial. The exchange of views focused on how to foster bilateral cooperation with COMECE, with Cristian Dan Preda MEP, Ludwig Spaenle, Bernd Posselt former MEP the aim to play a responsible role in European Affairs, as well as to contribute to the construction of a strong European Union.

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ROLE OF THE IN THE PROCESS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION EPP Working Group PERSPECTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION KRAKOW, OCTOBER 5-6, 2018 INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE MEETING WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ASEAN 31-008 KRAKOW, 25 MAIN MARKET SQUARE, WWW.MCK.KRAKOW.PL MUSLIM COUNTRIES WWW.KOSCIOL-EUROPA.ORG.PL; WWW.KAS.PL TUESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2018 8.30 TO 9.30 HRS. CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: MEMBERS' SALON 2 Bp Prof. Tadeusz Pieronek (ASP BUILDING GROUND FLOOR) EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION: AGENDA Polish, English, German

1. Welcome by the Co-Chairmen of the Working Group ORGANIZERS: Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow, 2. Exchange of views with ASEAN Muslim Majority Countries` Ambassadors on issues of common Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Poland, interest Robert Schuman Foundation in Luxembourg,

3. End of meeting IN CO-OPERATION WITH: PARTICIPANTS: EPP Group in the European Parliament, Polish Delegation in the EPP Group in the EP, European People’s Party (Christian Democrats), Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European 1. H.E Mr Yuri O.THAMRIN, Ambassador of Indonesia Community (COMECE) and Publishing House „Wokół nas” in Gliwice 2. H.E. Mr Dato’ Hasnudin HAMZAH, Ambassador of Malaysia 3. HE Mr Abu Sufian HAJI ALI, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam 4. Mr Diaz PRATO, Minister Counsellor (Embassy of Indonesia) 5. Mr Naqib ADNAN, Second Secretary (Embassy of Brunei)

Csaba Sógor MEP, Jan Olbrycht MEP, Andrej Grzyb MEP with Representatives from the ASEAN Countries

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FRIDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2018 14.00-16.00 II PANEL SESSION SCHENGEN – ZONE OF STABILITY AND EXTERNAL FRONTIER OF THE EUROPEAN UNION 09.30 REGISTRATION INTRODUCTION: 10.00 OPENING , former President of the European Commission Bp prof. Tadeusz Pieronek, Chairman of the Organizing Committee  PhD, Co-Chairman of the Polish Delegation in the EPP DISCUSSION: Group in the EP Andrzej Grzyb, Co-Chairman of the Polish Delegation in the EPP Group in the EP Željana Zovko, MEP from Croatia Prof. Thomas Sternberg PhD, Member of the Board of Directors of the Konrad Szymański, Secretary of State for European Affairs in the Ministry of Konrad Adenauer Foundation, President of the Central Committee of German Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Catholics Mons. Robert Vitillo, Secretary General of the International Catholic Migration Jacek Krupa, Marshal of the Malopolska Region Commission Bp Rimantas Norvila, President of the COMECE Commission on External Mariia Mykolaivna Ionova, Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Relations of the EU, Bishop of Vilkaviškis Ukraine Committee for European Integration MODERATION:

10.30-11.00 PERSPECTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Katarzyna Pisarska PhD, Director of the European Academy of Diplomacy Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament 16.00-16.15 COFFEE BREAK

11.00-13.00 I PANEL SESSION EURO – SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC BINDING FACTOR OF THE 16.15-18.15 III PANEL SESSION EUROPEAN UNION RULE OF LAW – REASSURANCE OF A STRONG EUROPEAN UNION

INTRODUCTION: INTRODUCTION: Janusz Lewandowski PhD, Co-Chairman of the Polish Delegation in the Prof. , honorary President of the Venice Commission EPP Group in the European Parliament, former Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources

DISCUSSION: DISCUSSION: Kai Wynands, Director of the Cabinet of EU-Commissioner for Euro and Social Nuria Díaz Abad, former President of the European Network of Councils for Dialog the Judiciary, Member of the Spanish General Council of the Judiciary tbc. Ivan Štefanec PhD, MEP, member of the EP Committee on the Internal Market Prof. Zoltán Fleck, Center for Theory of Law and Society, Eötvös Loránd and Consumer Protection University, Budapest NN. Janusz Jankowiak, Chief Economist of the Polish Business Council

MODERATION: Andrzej Godlewski, Journalist, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanity

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MODERATION: DISCUSSION: Urszula Gacek, former Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland to Bp Theodorus Cornelis Maria Hoogenboom, President of the COMECE the Council of Europe, Member of the Council of Institute for Strategic Studies Commission on Legal Affairs, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Utrecht in Krakow Bp Piotr Jarecki PhD, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Warsaw Thomas Schrapel PhD, Director of the KAS Regional Program Political Dialogue South Caucasus 18.30 Holy Mass celebrated by HE Bp Jan Kopiec, homily by Rev. Adam Boniecki MODERATION: MIC – senior editor-in-chief of Tygodnik Powszechny weekly, St Mary’s Basilica, the Main Market Square Karolina Wigura PhD, Publicist and journalist of the Liberal Culture

SATURDAY, 6 OCTOBER 2018 13.30-13.45 CONCLUSION

Rev. prof. Wojciech Zyzak, Rector of the Pontifical University of John Paul II 09.30-10.00 REGISTRATION in Krakow

The 18th International churches conference “Role of the Catholic Church in the Process of European 10.00-10.30 PERSPECTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLAND WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION Integration - Perspectives for the development of the European Union” was held on 5-6 October and gathered high-level politicians, such as A. Tajani (President of the European Parliament) via video SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: message and D. Tusk (President of the ), EPP Members, and organisers Bp Prof. , President of the European Council Tadeusz Pieronek and the Organizing Committee, the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Cracow, Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Poland, Robert Schuman Foundation in Luxembourg and the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE). 10.30.11.00 DISCUSSION WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF DONALD TUSK

MODERATION:

Andrzej Godlewski, Journalist, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanity

11.00-11.30 COFFEE BREAK

11.30-13.30 IV PANEL SESSION NATIONALITY AND IDENTITY IN EUROPE

INTRODUCTION: Jan Olbrycht PhD, MEP, member of the EP Committee on Budgets Jan Olbrycht MEP

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EPP Working Group

INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE WORKING BREAKFAST ON THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS ACTORS IN CONFLICT PREVENTION, MANAGEMENT AND RESOLUTION

BRUSSELS, TUESDAY, 9 OCTOBER 2018 08.30 – 10.00 HRS. ASP MEP RESTAURANT

8:30 WELCOME AND MODERATION Andrzej Grzyb MEP Michael Hansmann, EU Representative Brot für die Welt

8:35 OPENING REMARKS , MEP and Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Pan-African Parliament

8:45 INTERVENTIONS FROM Rev. Thomas Mokoko, Communication Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon and President of the Cameroon Council of Churches Flaubert Djateng, Coordinator of the Zenü network, Cameroon

9:15 OPEN DISCUSSION WITH ALL PARTICIPANTS

9:40 CLOSING REMARKS Donald Tusk, President of the European Council Johannes Hügel, Research Associate, Multinational Development Policy Dialogue, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung 09:45 END OF ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION Cameroon has long been seen as a stabilizing factor in the region in central Africa and due to its positive post-colonial ties with France as a country close to Europe. The country is facing serious troubles in its anglophone North Western and South Western parts, where the francophone central government oppressed peaceful protests of the anglophone minority in 2016, causing more violent movements which led secessionist separatist to declare an independent state Ambazonia. President Biya refuses to recognize its legitimacy and thus the situation has escalated, causing an increase in violence and migration, leading to 150.000 internally displaced people and to 40.000 refugees from anglophone Cameroon in neighboring Nigeria. Religion has always played a major role in societies in conflict management, prevention and resolution. As Cameroon is highly influenced by its various religious groups, the question is raised to what extent religious actors are able to mitigate amongst Prof. Tadeusz Pieronek the different conflicting parties. The most represented religious groups in Cameroon are Roman Catholics (39%), Protestants (28%) and Islam (20%). Therefore this event shall focus primarily on the active involvement of the representatives of those religious groups.

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XXI ANNUAL EPP GROUP INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE WITH CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS

WHAT KIND OF EUROPE DO WE WANT? TIME FOR VISION AND SOLUTIONS LISBON (MAFRA), 17 - 19 OCTOBER 2018 VILA GALÉ ERICEIRA LARGO DOS NAVEGANTES 2655-320 ERICEIRA PORTUGAL

WEDNESDAY, 17 OCTOBER

20.30 hrs WELCOME COCKTAIL hosted by the Portuguese Delegation at Hotel Vila Galé Ericeira

WELCOME SPEECHES:

‒ José Manuel Fernandes MEP, PSD - EPP Group Portuguese Delegation ‒ György Hölvényi MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue ‒ Jan Olbrycht MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue

THURSDAY, 18 OCTOBER

08:00 hrs (Optional) Holy Mass at Igreja Paroquial de S. Pedro (Largo dos Navegantes 1, 2659-501 Ericeira)

09:00 hrs OPENING SESSION ‒ Hélder Sousa Silva, Mayor of Mafra ‒ José Silvano, Secretary General of PSD ‒ Assunção Cristas, President of CDS-PP ‒ MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group in the EP ‒ György Hölvényi MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue ‒ Jan Olbrycht MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue

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FRIDAY, 19 OCTOBER 09:30- 12:30 hrs SESSION I RETHINKING EUROPE 08:00 hrs (Optional) Holy Mass at Igreja Paroquial de S. Pedro (Largo dos Navegantes 1, 2659-501 Ericeira) Chair Paulo Rangel MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group in the EP

INTERVENTIONS 09:30-11:00 hrs SESSION II ‒ Olivier Poquillon OP, General Secretary, Commission of the Bishops' YOUTH, FAMILY AND EDUCATION Conferences of the EU (COMECE) Chair ‒ Jarka Chloupková, Director of Research, Bussola Institute Françoise Grossetête MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group in the EP ‒ Nektarios Ioannou, Archimandrite, Representative of the Committee of the INTERVENTIONS: Representatives of the Orthodox Churches in European Union (CROCEU) ‒ Miguel Ángel Sancho Gargallo, President of the European Foundation ‒ Henrique Mota, Moderator of the Radio programme "And God created the “Society and Education” Universe..." ‒ Antoine Renard, President of the Federation of Catholic Family Associations ‒ Natan Peres, Rabbi of the Comunidade Israelita de Lisboa in Europe ‒ Daniel Bodnár, President of the Milton Friedman University ‒ Emmanuel Pisani OP, Director of the Institut des Sciences et de Théologie des Religions de Paris ‒ Maximos Pafilis, Archimandrite, Representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate 11:30 - 12:30 hrs DISCUSSION ‒ Raquel Vaz-Pinto, Researcher and expert in Religion and International Opened by: Sofia Ribeiro MEP, PSD - EPP Group Portuguese Delegation Relations, IPRI-Univ. Nova of Lisbon 12:45 hrs Lunch at Hotel Vila Galé Ericeira DISCUSSION 14.00-18.00 hrs Study Visit to Fátima and meeting with Cardinal D. António Marto Opened by: György Hölvényi MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on (Fátima - a major centre of pilgrimage approximately 1.5 hour drive) Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue 20.00 hrs Dinner hosted by the EPP Group at the Palacio Nacional de Mafra (Terreiro D. João V, 2640-492 Mafra, Portugal)

WELCOME SPEECHES: MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in the EP Paulo Rangel MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group in the EP

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11:00-12:30 hrs SESSION III MEPs of the EPP Group, including Chairman Manfred Weber, religious leaders and academics discussed the role of religion in debates on the future of Europe. PEACE AND SECURITY Being only a few months away from the 2019 European elections, at a very peculiar geopolitical Chair moment, this Dialogue Conference was an extremely relevant event. Michèle Alliot-Marie MEP, Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula, Chair of the parliamentary working Group on Christians in the The agenda was divided into three main sessions and it included important issues such as the role of Middle East in the European Parliament, Former Minister of State in France religion in the debate on the future of Europe, family, education, youth as a primary source of society’s human, social economic and spiritual capital, and promoting peace and security in Europe and in the

EU’s external policies.

Paulo Rangel MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament underlined that INTERVENTIONS: Portugal, due to its geographical position as the most Western country in Europe and to its centuries- old global experience of evangelisation, is the right location to host and discuss issues related to ‒ Graça Franco, Director of Radio Renascença interreligious dialogue. ‒ Eric Gozlan, Executive Director of the Union of Peoples for Peace Guest speakers included Rev. Olivier Poquillon, General Secretary of the Commission of the Bishops' ‒ Felipe Pathé Duarte, Professor at Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa Conference of the EU, Natan Peres, Rabbi of the Israelite Community of Lisbon, European and Portuguese politicians as well as intellectuals and academics.

György Hölvényi MEP, Co-chair of the EPP Group’s Working Group on Intercultural and Religious DISCUSSION Dialogue, highlighted, that approaching the end of the current legislative period, the 2018 Dialogue Opened by: Jan Olbrycht MEP, Co-Chairman of the Working Group on offered the opportunity to overview how EPP Group facilitated the visibility of the role of churches and Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue religious organisations during this parliamentary term. It is high time to present all the achievements of the dialogue that the EPP Group carried out for religious freedom and beyond, and to define new directions for the future. 12:30 - 12:45 CLOSING SESSION Jan Olbrycht MEP, Co-chair of the EPP Group’s Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue, pointed out the significance of the debate on the future of Europe, namely, that a dialogue György Hölvényi MEP and Jan Olbrycht MEP, Co-Chairmen of the EPP between politicians, intellectuals, churches and religious communities is inevitable. Working Group on Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue

György Hölvényi MEP and Jan Olbrycht MEP Co-Chairmen of the EPP Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Manfred Weber, Chairman of the EPP Group

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Romain Strasser, EPP Group Françoise Grossetête MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group in the EP Paulo Rangel MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group in the EP Sofia Ribeiro MEP

Lukas Mandl MEP, Nadine Morano MEP, Alojz Peterle MEP Dubravka Šuica MEP

Michèle Alliot-Marie MEP Study visit to Fatima

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Andrzej Grzyb MEP, Jonathan Rosenzweig, Counsellor and H.E. Mr Aharon Leshno-Yaar, Ambassador, Jan Olbrycht MEP, György Hölvényi MEP, Romain Strasser, EPP Group EPP Working Group

INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE WORKING BREAKFAST WITH ISRAEL’S AMBASSADOR TO THE EU STRASBOURG, TUESDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 2018 08.30 – 09.30 HRS. LOW MEP SALON S0 1

DRAFT AGENDA

1. Opening by the Co-Chairs of the Working Group, Mr György Hölvényi MEP and Mr Jan Olbrycht MEP 2. Presentation by and exchange of views with H.E. Mr Aharon Leshno-Yaar, Ambassador, Head of the Mission of the State of Israel to the European Union and NATO: "THE INTERRELIGIOUS DIMENSIONS OF THE EU – ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP” 3. Any other business 4. Date of next meeting

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EPP GROUP INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS Mons Stefano Ottani, General Vicar of the Curia of Bologna, reported about the initiatives undertaken DIALOGUE by the Archdiocese of Bologna and which have seen the full participation of the Jewish and Islamic communities. Other speakers included Prof Marina Marini , Yusuf Pisano Beatrice Draghetti and SEMINAR ON Massimiliano Zarri. The Bologna initiative has created a model of dialogue and cooperation that has RELIGIONS AND THE CULTURE OF PEACE given life to the ‘Abraham and Peace’ Association. THE BOLOGNA’ EXPERIENCE AS EUROPEAN VALUE An interesting feature of the rich history of Bologna is the interaction of its authorities: the City, the WEDNESDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2018 University and the Church. These three major actors considerably shaped the political, intellectual, 16:30-18:00 cultural and religious life of the citizens of Bologna. ROOM ASP 5H1, EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, BRUSSELS The seminar presented aspects of the cultural and religious dimensions of the city, particularly the PROGRAMME “Bologna Experience”. It is an unique model of Interreligious Dialogue - initiated and developed in the town of the oldest university in continuous operation in Europe where among others Dante, Boccaccio, Petrarca, Erasmus and Copernicus studied. 16:30 OPENING György Hölvényi MEP and Jan Olbrycht MEP, Co-Chairmen of the EPP Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue

INTERVENTIONS 16:40 The Bologna Dialogue between Christianity, Judaism and Islamism and constitution of Abraham and Peace Association • Rev. Mons. Stefano Ottani, General Vicar of the Diocese of Bologna 16:55 Progress and future perspectives of the Bologna’ Dialogue • Marina Marini, Professor and Counsellor of the Jewish Community in Bologna 17:10 Young people and dialogue • Yusuf Pisano, Imam and President of the Italian Islamic Community of Prof Marina Marini, Mons Stefano Ottani, Beatrice Draghetti, Imam Yusuf Pisano Bologna 17:25 The value of the intercultural dialogue in the current European context • Beatrice Draghetti, President of "Abramo e Pace” Association 17:35 How the EU policies could support and promote the national experiences? • Massimiliano Zarri, lawyer, scientific collaborator of the ISSR, expert in vocational training and family mediation

17:45 DISCUSSION

18:00 END OF THE SEMINAR PROGRAMME

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Paolo Licandro, EPP Group, Mons Stefano Ottani, Beatrice Draghetti, Željana Zovko MEP, Imam Yusuf Pisano, Massimiliano Zarri, Elisabetta Gardini MEP, Prof Marina Marini, Romain Strasser and Marian Apostol, EPP Group

Joanna Jarecka-Gomez, Deputy Secretary-General Director for External Policies - Regions, EPP Group

View of the meeting room

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17:55 FINAL REMARKS Jan OLBRYCHT MEP, Co-Chair of the EPP Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue

EPP GROUP INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS The Religious Freedom in the World 2018 report is ACN’s comprehensive assessment on the threat DIALOGUE to religious liberty today. More than 190 nations were examined with a special focus in each case on the place of religious freedom in constitutional and other statutory documents, incidents of note and CONFERENCE ON FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND EUROPEAN POLICY finally a projection of likely trends. The focus of the report is concerned with State and non-State TUESDAY, 4 DECEMBER 2018 actors who restrict and deny religious expression, be it in public or in private, and who do so without PROGRAMME due respect for others and for the rule of law.

16:00 OPENING Mairead MCGUINNESS, MEP, First Vice-president of the European Parliament, Responsible for the Parliament´s dialogue with churches, religions and non- confessional organisations (Article 17 TFEU) (video message)

16:10 INTRODUCTION Jan OLBRYCHT MEPs Co-Chair of the EPP Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue

16:15 INTERVENTIONS H.E. Mgr. Alain Paul LEBEAUPIN, Apostolic Nuncio to the EU Mark von RIEDEMANN, Chairman of the Editorial Committee, Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need Romain Strasser, EPP Group, Pavel Svoboda MEP, Anna Zaborska MEP, Dr. U.A. Abdalla and his wife, Jan FINDINGS FROM THE REPORT “RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN THE WORLD Olbrycht MEP, Sister Anna, H.E. Mgr. A.P. Lebeaupin, Marcela Szymanski, Sister Fida, 2018” H.E. Mgr. W. Avenya, Mark von Riedemann (5 min. video and explanation of the Main Findings)

16:45 MEP INTERVENTIONS

Andrzej GRZYB, Human Rights Committee, Coordinator Anna ZÁBORSKÁ, Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee 17:00 NIGERIA’S CHRISTIANS ON THE RUN - The prospects for the 90 million Nigerian Christians under attack from Boko Haram and the Fulani Herdsmen across the territory H.E. Mgr. William AVENYA, Bishop of Gboko, Nigeria 17:20 EDUCATION AND THE PLURAL SOCIETY - TESTIMONIES FROM THE MIDDLE EAST AND INDONESIA Sister Fida CHAAYA OF DAMASCUS (Syria) Dr. Ulil Abshar ABDALLA, Head of the Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace

17:40 DISCUSSION

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Pavel Svoboda MEP, Anna Zaborska MEP, Jan Olbrycht MEP Palazzo di Sant'Apollinare, Piazza di Sant'Apollinare, 49, 00186 Roma 18h00 - 19h00 Dean Rev. José María La Porte and students of the Faculty

EPP GROUP INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS FRIDAY, 7 DECEMBER DIALOGUE VISIT TO ROME VISIT TO THE VATICAN RADIO ROME, 6 - 7 DECEMBER 2018 Piazza Pia 3, 00120 Città del Vaticano THURSDAY, 6 DECEMBER 09h00 - 09h45 Rev. Paweł Pasierbek SJ

HOLY MASS St. Peter´s Basilica, Chapel of Saint Sebastian, Altar of the Holy Pope John Paul II DICASTERY FOR COMMUNICATION 08h45 - 09h15 Celebrated by Msgr. Massimiliano Boiardi, Section for Relations with States, Via della Conciliazione 5, 00120 Città del Vaticano Secretariat of State 10h00 - 11h30 Mons. Lucio Adrian Ruiz, Secretary of the Dicastery for Communication Prof. Natasa Govekar, Director of the Pastoral Theological Directorate of the WORKING BREAKFAST MEETING IN RESIDENCE PAOLO VI Dicastery for Communication Residenza San Paolo VI, Via Paolo VI, 29, 00193 Roma 11h30 END OF THE VISIT PROGRAMME 09h30 - 10h30 Msgr. Massimiliano Boiardi, Section for Relations with States, Secretariat of State

DICASTERY FOR PROMOTING INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Piazza di San Calisto 16, 00153 Roma 11h00 - 12h30 Rev. Msgr. Bruno Marie Duffé, Secretary of the Dicastery Rev. P. Michael Czerny S.J., Undersecretary of the ‘Migrants and Refugees’ Section

PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR CULTURE - FOUNDATION OF THE “COURTYARD OF THE GENTILES” Via della Conciliazione, 5 (office on the 3rd Floor) 00193 Roma 15h00 - 16h00 President Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi Executive Director Rev. Laurent Mazas

EU DELEGATION TO THE , ORDER OF MALTA, UN ORGANISATIONS AND TO THE REPUBLIC OF SAN MARINO The visit focused on the new international initiatives of the Catholic Church aiming at promoting a Via IV. Novembre 149 (4th floor) 00187 Roma culture of encounter and respect. 16h15 - 17h45 Ambassador Jan Tombinski, Head of Delegation The meetings with the leaders of the Roman Curia and other experts of the Catholic Church shed light on the unique role that the different organisations of the Catholic Church play in fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue and the dialogue with non-believers. PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY CROSS, FACULTY OF INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

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The discussions highlighted the "power of religion" in the promotion of peace and reconciliation Petir MEP, Jan Olbrycht MEP, MEP, György Nádasi and the establishment as well as the maintenance of constructive channels of communication and collaboration among various communities.

Wim Van De Camp MEP, Jan Olbrycht MEP, Marijana Petir MEP, Msgr. Massimiliano Boiardi, György Hölvényi MEP

Gábor Török, EPP Group, Wim Van De Camp MEP, Romain Strasser, EPP Group, Anna Zaborska MEP, Marijana

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DIRECTORATE EXTERNAL POLICIES - REGIONS Marian Apostol, Political attaché, Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Unit, Directorate External Policies – Regions Joanna Jarecka-Gomez, Deputy Secretary-General, Director for External Policies - Regions

Atilla Agárdi, Press Adviser, Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Unit, Directorate External Policies – Regions INTERCULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE UNIT DIRECTORATE EXTERNAL POLICIES - REGIONS

Romain Strasser, Justine De Almeida, Head of Unit, Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Unit, Directorate External Policies – Regions Press Assistant, Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Unit, Directorate External Policies – Regions

Sanja Mijic, Emese Hegyi, Assistant to the head of Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Unit, Directorate External Policies Press Assistant, Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Unit, Directorate External Policies – – Regions Regions

Gábor Török, Keti Kalaja, Policy Adviser, Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Unit, Directorate External Policies – Trainee, Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Unit, Directorate External Policies – Regions Regions

Nora Kramer, Silvia Salaro, Assistant, Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Unit, Directorate External Policies – Regions Trainee, Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Unit, Directorate External Policies – Regions

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Published by: Intercultural and Religious Dialogue Unit Directorate External Policies – Regions EPP Group in the European Parliament Responsible: Romain STRASSER, Head of Unit Intercultural and Religious Dialogue, Directorate External Policies – Regions Contributors: Atilla AGÁRDI, Keti KALAJA, Nora KRAMER, Silvia SALARO, Gábor TÖRÖK Address: EPP Group in the European Parliament, 60 Rue Wiertz, B-1047 Brussels, Belgium Internet: www.eppgroup.eu E-mail: [email protected] Copyright: EPP Group in the European Parliament

The publication contains also information from internal publications of the EP, internal and external information sources handled by the Library of the EP.