There was more to the creation of the European Union than a simple economic project. It should contribute to reconciliation and peace. It was Robert Schuman’s idea that Europe cannot remain only technical: it needs a soul. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recalled this in her State of the Union address in September 2021. 

The history of the European Union, 27 so different countries together, is a success story, even after Brexit and despite all the challenges that came along the way: economy, refugees, and covid among others. Given the latest Russian invasion of Ukraine, what we can do, as individuals and as a community? Can this situation motivate us and our governments to rethink our lifestyle and to give up some of our comforts to be more solidary with the Ukrainian people? What is the European Union doing and how far the European solidarity can go? Finally, what can be the role of churches and faith-based organizations?  

These and other questions were reflected at the evening conference: “War in Europe and our response” on 17 May at the Chapel for Europe in Brussels, which is successfully returning to in-person events after the Covid period and still celebrating its 20th Anniversary in service of the European milieus. That evening we could enjoy the presence of the very special guests: Mr. Othmar Karas, First Vice President of the European Parliament, and Mr. Margaritis Schinas, Vice President of the European Commission. Planning this event, we didn’t want to have just a formal and boring conference. That’s why we asked our speakers to shorten their initial speeches to have more time for a lively sharing with the moderator and the audience. 

The speakers agreed among others that this unthinkable war, which is against democracy, human rights, and values needs a solidary response. Ukraine must be supported by all means. Several support packages for Ukraine have been released (financial help, refugees reintegration…) and the 6th sanction package against Russia (concerning the energy policy) is currently being discussed. From one side we see Europe at its best, from another side the negotiations among countries are not easy. However, the Union has to look for a common bill even if it has to pay a price. The politics should not only be economy-driven, it should be also values-driven. Also, a long-term European policy is needed to overcome nationalistic movements in the member states and to make the EU more efficient. Finally: the Christian religion cannot be used to support the war. There is nothing in Christianity that can justify this aggression.  

The significant moment showing that the conference was much appreciated, was the spontaneous reaction “oh nooo…” of the audience when the moderator was about to finish. At the end, both the speakers and the audience were invited to light a candle as a gesture of peace and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.