Christian Values and Religious Freedom discussed at European Parliament event

An event highlighting the role of Christian values in Europe was held at the European Parliament on September 30, 2026, within the framework of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which provides for dialogue between EU institutions and religious organizations.

The event was organized by MEP Dimitris Tsiodras in cooperation with the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO) and the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Freedom of Religion, Belief and Conscience.

Archimandrite Emilianos Chatzivasileiou, Secretary General of the Office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union, delivered an opening address on behalf of Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, President of the Committee of Representatives of Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU).

His address emphasized that Christian values are not merely a matter of historical memory but remain relevant to Europe’s shared future. He stressed Christianity’s contribution to European civilization, highlighting solidarity, openness and respect for human dignity.

Representing CROCEU, Bishop Apostolos of Tanagra, Director of the Office of the Church of Greece to the European Union,…