A la recherche des valeurs culturelles et spirituelles de l'Europe

The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) invited three religious thinkers to share their views on what they thought connected Europeans. The discussion took place on 24 February at a CEPS conference on the theme of "What Values for Europe?"

Rabbi David Rosen said that universal values can also be considered European and originally European values could have become global. Rabbi Rosen explained that individual human dignity is at the heart of all religions and it is the basis for human solidarity. Europe, as a collective, was designed to transcend national identities and it brings together nations with different cultural backgrounds. It is built upon the recognition that it is desirable to have a unity that respects diversity. The rights of the individual are thus brought together with the interests of the collective and the aim is to strike a balance. Rabbi Rosen talked about the value of hospitality and the importance of welcoming guests, other human beings, who in a religious sense have a 'divine image'. He said that the well-being of our own community must be ensured while welcoming diversity (guests).

Stefan Lunte, deputy secretary general of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community, pointed out that there has been little talk of values in the past 50 years of European integration. Mr Lunte said that a true 'European citizenship' is needed which cannot be built around the EU institutions or the 'lengthy' Constitution. What is needed is a European identity, an 'incarnation' of the European idea into our hearts. Peace incarnated through economic cooperation into the EU. In order to achieve the higher cause of peace countries have given up part of their sovereignty. Mr Lunte said that the Union's values as described in the EU Constitution are the achievements of the nation states, rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Peace has now prevailed for more than 50 years, Mr Lunte pointed out. However, he felt that to achieve additional common values will be difficult without religion. Therefore, he called for a more positive approach towards the role of religion in the incarnation of European values.

Tariq Ramadan, professor at the University of Geneva, talked from a European Muslim viewpoint. He said that we should move away from a negative definition of ourselves, ie defining ourselves against what we are not, and instead create a positive perception of 'us'. What unites Jews, Christians and Muslims is monotheism. Europe is a project and we all wish to find a 'meaning' in it, he argued. We all ask the question 'why?' and we all see our message as 'universal', while also teaching the respect of others, Mr Ramadan explained. It is necessary to have a 'marriage' between faith and intellect, ie to have faith as well as a critical mind. Mr Ramadan pointed to the great values the EU Constitution puts forward, such as equality, dignity, justice and human rights. But the challenge is the implementation of these values. Mr Ramadan therefore suggests an emphasis on civic education, promoting a multi-dimensional, inclusive identity, and building partnerships at local, regional and national levels.