Dialogue with Churches, religious associations or communities, philosophical and non-confessional organisations
In today’s diverse Europe, many different churches, religions and philosophical organisations make an important contribution to society. The European Union institutions are committed to an open dialogue with these religious and non-confessional organisations, and the European Parliament actively engages with them on EU policies.
Background
Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon, provides for the first time, a legal basis for an open, transparent and regular dialogue between the EU institutions and churches, religious associations, and philosophical and non-confessional organisations. It states:
- The Union respects and does not prejudice the status under national law of churches and religious associations or communities in the Member States.
- The Union equally respects the status under national law of philosophical and non-confessional organisations.
- Recognising their identity and their specific contribution, the Union shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with these churches and organisations.
While the first two paragraphs of this article provide for the safeguard of the special status under national law of churches and religious associations or communities, as well as of philosophical and non-confessional organisations enjoying a comparable status, Paragraph 3 calls on EU institutions to maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with these churches and organisations. The European Parliament hosts several high-level conferences each year, open to all dialogue partners, on topical and relevant themes connected with ongoing parliamentary work and debate.
The European Parliament has given effect to the Treaty provisions through the designation by its President of a Vice-President responsible for conducting the dialogue.