THE STATE OF EUROPE FORUM, held on or near EUROPE DAY, MAY 9, in the capital of the country holding the EU presidency, reflects on Europe today in the light of Robert Schuman’s vision for a ‘community of peoples deeply rooted in Christian values’.

EUROPE DAY, MAY 9, commemorates the SCHUMAN DECLARATION presented on this day in 1950 by Robert Schuman, the French Foreign Minister, the birth of the process of European integration which has led to the present European Union.

This three-minute speech, which laid the foundation for the ‘community of peoples’ in which today 500 million Europeans live together in peace, proposed that former enemies would cooperate for the rebuilding of Europe. Rooted in the Christian values of human dignity, human solidarity and commitment to the common good, Schuman’s plea for reconciliation, mutual accountability and cooperation have enabled seven decades of peaceful development.

What happens to peace and freedom, however, when these roots are ignored? Democracy, human rights, religious freedom, security, social harmony and the dignity of life are all under threat in Europe today because our roots have been neglected. What role can the faith community in Europe today play in recovering foundations for sustainable, just and flourishing societies?

The State of Europe Forum offers dialogue among believers from different nations and denominations on this and related questions.

The forum is open for politicians, church leaders, civic leaders, educators, academics, media specialists, activists, and all concerned with the future of Europe.