Eco-delegates from across the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials gathered in Nuremberg for their second in-person meeting. The three-day event was marked by reflection, collaboration, and renewed commitment to ecological conversion. Highlights included an afternoon of inspiring talks from climate activists Bettina Schiebel (Last Generation) and Vincent Gewert (Fridays for Future), as well as Michael Stöhr, climate expert and CLC member, and transformation scientist Stefan Eisiedel from the Munich School of Philosophy. Their insights shed light on both the urgency and ethical dimensions of today’s ecological challenges. The final day featured the presentation of the 2024 Global Survey on UAP4 by SJES Rome, affirming progress in many Provinces—particularly where resources have been dedicated to ecological work. Delegates also discussed the next steps for the Eco-delegates network. An eco-historical tour of Nuremberg, guided by Jesuit friends Norbert and Nicola, followed by a vegetarian dinner, provided a meaningful close to the gathering. Among the key takeaways: tangible progress is being made across Provinces, the UAP4 report is a valuable tool that should be shared more widely, and in-person meetings in spiritually resonant places are crucial for deepening this mission. A next gathering is planned for 2026 at Casa Velha, Portugal.

JESC's Ecology Officer Telmo Olascoaga Michel wrote the insightful article: “Empowering Faith Actors in their Ecological Transition.”  Since 2022, the JESC Carbon Initiative (JCI) has transformed from an experimental #CarbonAssessment of Jesuit communities in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg into a comprehensive program supporting faith communities in their #EcologicalTransition journey. Key milestones include: Conducting the first-ever carbon assessment of a Jesuit province Developing Ireland's pioneering climate roadmap aligned with Paris Agreement targets Expanding to support dioceses and religious orders in environmental impact management Launching school sustainability initiatives in Malta and France in 2024   This work isn't just about reducing emissions — it's about #ClimateJustice and responsibility, recognising that the Global North must lead in climate action to protect vulnerable communities worldwide.  We are grateful to see faith communities turning ecological ideals into concrete commitments through the values of #LaudatoSi' and creating a legacy of climate action for #FutureGenerations. Read the full article: https://www.sjesjesuits.global/.../empowering-faith.../

The 14th and 15th of January 2025 marked a significant milestone for ‘Our Daily Bread’, with the network’s first-ever summit being held and the initiative officially launched in Brussels. The events started with an internal summit at the Maison Notre-Dame du Chant-d’Oiseau, a conference centre on the grounds of a Franciscan Friary in Brussels, where eleven participants in person (with additional online participants at various stages) represented nine different organisations. Our Daily Bread is an ecumenical network of faith-based organisations (FBOs) that work on the subject of agriculture and food systems. After a JESC’s 2023 report recognised that over 150 FBOs were working on this topic in the European Union, a group of organisations came together informally to discern the creation of an advocacy network. This discernment culminated in a manifesto and the aim to launch this network in January 2025. The summit began with a closed session where members of ODB discussed a plan for 2025, which included a campaign in Lent, a report to be released on diets, and where we can contribute in upcoming EU policy debates. 2025 is a big year for food policy in the EU as the debate for the next multiannual financial framework and Common Agricultural Policy begin. This was followed by a public event in The Chapel for Europe titled ‘Christian Vision for Sustainable Food Systems’, which officially launched this network. The highlight of this event was a panel discussion with former MEP and adviser to Ursula von der Leyen, Philippe Lamberts, and economist and theologian, Gaël Giraud SJ. The debate highlighted the importance of the role European Institutions can play in securing a fair and sustainable food system for Europeans. Both speakers emphasised that the Christian vision of hope must not be forgotten when advocating for a sustainable food system and that our network can act as an agent of this hope. The launch marked only the beginning for Our Daily Bread, and you are invited to keep up to date with this initiative through our website and social media platforms.

After weeks of intense negotiations, COP29 concluded at 2 AM on Sunday, November 24th, two days past its scheduled end. Despite hopes for significant progress, the conference yielded mixed results. Climate Finance Deal:Wealthy nations committed to increasing climate finance to $300 billion annually for countries most affected by climate change. However, this amount falls short of the $1.3 trillion deemed necessary or even the $500 billion minimum requested by many developing nations. While the UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the deal “a base to build on,” critics, including an Indian delegate, labeled it “a paltry sum.” Developed countries stressed that private investment would supplement this commitment. Fossil Fuel Transition:Efforts to expand commitments to transition away from fossil fuels faltered. Saudi Arabia successfully blocked language referencing fossil fuels in the final text, frustrating many delegates. One UN envoy voiced disappointment that the progress made at COP28 in Dubai was not carried forward, highlighting persistent challenges in securing consensus on this critical issue. Looking Ahead:As the dust settles, attention now shifts to February 2025, when countries are due to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Experts and stakeholders are also calling for procedural reforms to make future COPs more effective. While COP29 made some progress, the gap between ambition and action remains significant, leaving much work to be done to address the escalating climate crisis.  

Finally, after much political drama, a new Commission should be able to start working in early December. Considering the many crises Europe is facing, leadership is urgently needed. Last week however did not make for a pretty sight nor did it provide for much clarity going forward. The centre-right EPP went to the clash with its supposed primary allies (Socialists, Liberals) to impose Italy’s candidate, from hard-right ECR, as Executive Vice-President of the Commission, threatening to derail the nomination of Teresa Ribeira (S&D), a key player of the future Commission in matters of green transition. While the move might have honourable motivations, preserving Italy as a constructive player, it is also a display of strength, preserving EPP’s ability to form alternative majorities on its right in the Parliament. One can only hope that such strength will now be put at the service of key aspects of the Commission's stated goals, as reaffirmed in the platform statement signed between the EPP, S&D and Renew, including a pro-integration approach, the implementation of the Green Deal and the European Pillar of Social Rights, and the search for sustainable agriculture. The long-term future of Europe, and the well-being of its citizens, from today and tomorrow, depend on it. We certainly will not stop advocating for it. Benoit Willemaers SJSecretary for European Affairs 

On Saturday, October 5th, the European Leadership Programme (ELP) officially launched its 12th cohort, welcoming a new group of Fellows in a friendly and lively atmosphere. This time, fellows came from Belgium, Italy, Spain, France, Hungary, Croatia, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, Brazil, and Lebanon. The diversity and international background provided an opportunity to learn from each other and see different perspectives. It has been wonderful to see the fellows settling in and getting ready for the semester ahead. The day began with a warm welcome from ELP manager Botond Feledy, who introduced the program and its five core elements: Leadership, Volunteering, EU Affairs, Coaching & Mentoring and Community. Fellows spent the full day together, getting to know each other and diving deeper into the ELP segments and community building. As Benoit Willemaers, SJ, the spiritual guarantor of the Programme, reminded all, while each brings personal expectations for the semester, one of the most valuable contributions one can make is simply to be present for each other – listening and responding to the needs of others. In the afternoon, the day was enriched by the presence of the ELP’s coaches and mentors, who will accompany fellows during the semester. With their guidance, Fellows will learn how to navigate through inner questions and motivations. The day concluded with the celebration of the mass. Although each of the participants is at a different place in her/his spiritual journey, it was a moment that brought the community together, in a calm and sharing way Once again, ELP looks forward to seeing the Fellows of this new Fall 2024 Cohort grow personally, spiritually, and professionally, and the enthusiasm shown in the Inauguration Day promises much fruit for the months ahead. Lucia TrubenováJESC ELP team