On Wednesday, 10th September, Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the Union speech, the first of her second term as President of the European Commission. She styled it as a call to unity for a Union embattled, fighting for an independent place in a hostile world. If her previous exercise, in September 2023, appeared to us a bit too self-congratulatory and falling short of taking Europeans’ worries seriously, this speech was definitely an attempt to address head-on the challenges facing Europe: geopolitical, social, and ecological. Her opening on continued support for Ukraine was not unexpected. While forceful, it was also fairly consensual thinking, stressing the need for more sanctions as well as more European help for Ukraine’s institutions and defense industry. Her obvious frustration with European divisions on Gaza was perhaps less expected, announcing reduced cooperation with Israel where the Commission has the authority to do so, along with propositions to the Council to suspend part of the Association Agreement or to sanction violent settlers and nationalist ministers. Finally, confronted with a shifting world order, courtesy of Trump, Putin, and Xi, von der Leyen defended her policy of pushing for more trade alliances (Mercosur), all while minimizing the impact of US vagaries and attempting to make the EU less reliant on China.  In the line of listening more to citizens, social concerns took a front seat. Actions on a quality jobs act, on a strategy against poverty or on various living costs aspects (energy, housing, food, cars) were announced. In a broader societal context, her intervention also focused on the traditional press and social media, defending the role of the former as democracy’s backbone and promising to protect children from the dangers of the latter.  Ecological concerns also popped up here and there in the speech. A mention of farmers as “custodians of our lands and oceans, our biodiversity.” A development on the circular economy. A defense of electric cars. A recognition of the impact of climate change on forest fires. A reminder of the goals on emission reduction, those already agreed for 2050 as well as those proposed by the Commission for 2040. This said, while there is much we can agree with, we must point out underlying concerns on how these various challenges are tackled and what is missing in the speech.  It is obvious when it comes to ecology: policies apparently must be sold for their tangible economic (opening new markets) or geopolitical (independence) benefits they bring. They also favor, as often, a very technological approach, with a focus on “green” energy. If a circular economy is mentioned, it is in a narrow perspective of having the materials to produce ever more. If that is what it takes to save elements of the Green Deal (thankfully mentioned), so be it. But one cannot help but wonder if this technological mindset is at the level of cultural change required to confront the roots of the ecological crisis. On social aspects, the main worry is evidently the lack of strong competences of the EU, which could lead to disappointing results. Time will tell. Von der Leyen also calls for “all of society, all lawmakers and all stakeholders to come together” in tackling the housing problem. This presupposes a healthy society, in which civil society is vibrant and local initiatives are supported. The approach of the Commission with civil society will be under test in the coming months and years. Funding for civil society initiatives will probably be reduced under the upcoming financial framework. Even more fundamentally, a delicate balance will have to be found by the soon-to-come Democracy Shield aiming to fight disinformation without smothering free speech and association. On geopolitics and trade, the silent part is what constitutes just trade. As for now, it is mostly considered through the lens of Europe’s interests and competitiveness. How political, social, and environmental concerns will survive this focus is anyone’s guess. The recent undermining of the due diligence directive is not inspiring a lot of confidence. Neither is the treatment of the migration question. Considered only under the perspectives of increasing returns of denied asylum seekers and of the fight against human trafficking, the approach is purely defensive, with little thought given to the root causes of migration. Sadly, nothing new here in the last two years. But all this might be missing the point. Von der Leyen evidently attempted to offer bridges to the various partners of her coalition in the Parliament: keeping competitiveness at the front while defending some social and climate goals, defending her deal with Trump while playing up her red lines on digital regulations, pushing for a rearmament of Europe while saving humanitarian principles for Gaza, … If indeed the goal was to find unity, this was in vain and the debate that followed was a sad demonstration of it.  If automatic criticism from the extremes in the assembly was to be expected, the desire to find a new common ground was mostly absent. The leader of the EPP used the moment to taunt the other centrist parties under the tune of “we won the elections, now apply our program.” The answer of the S&D was a strong denunciation of von der Leyen’s agreement with Trump. Only Renew seized on von der Leyen’s speech, running with her calls for institutional changes (right of initiative for the Parliament, generalization of qualified majority voting) and pushing it further. But while there might be merit in the idea that part of the paralysis of the EU is due to its functioning, it is only a small part. The reality is that divisions run deep among countries and political families. Those divisions were sadly on show yesterday. Benoit Willemaers SJJESC Secretary for European Affairs

The Europe@Heart 2025 weekend happening in Namur (Sept 19-21) brought together policy experts, spiritual leaders, civil society, and both young and established professionals interested in the green transition. The biggest threat and opportunity of our generation, which has seen varying support from global collaboration to denial and reprioritization in the last decade, has been put into focus.  The event opened with a climate wine tasting, featuring wines from unusual and upcoming wine regions across Europe. Its aim was to shed light on the changing landscape of viticulture, a crucial industry of our continent. We did have a lively debate around which taste appealed to whom and some of us have definitely discovered that charcoal taste in wine is not for us.   Plenary sessions combined with smaller group deliberations including the speakers is the format we follow each year, allowing space for the participants to actively engage with our guests and each other. The panels were revolving around the following questions: Why aren’t we all equally worried about the climate crisis? Could it be forced? And how can spirituality help us address the problem?  In the current global turmoil, decision makers constantly find themselves pushed to prioritize among competing crises; the climate, economy, social issues etc. In Saturday morning’s panel, speaker Chiara Martinelli (Director of CAN Europe) pertinently pointed out that the crisis we are facing is actually one crisis. The crisis of our model of production and consumption. Of the painstaking realisation that there is a limit to bending reality to our wishes. Of the harsh consequences of abandoning the concept of unity with nature and others. The dangerous change in our political direction derives from the instrumentalized distrust of those who have been betrayed by the system. Those who have been deprived of their ability to take care about what they care about, by those whose guiding principles are profit above all else.  Continuously, Saturday afternoon’s panel looked at the role of businesses and how the narrative shaping the debate can be reclaimed and put in service of the people. Participatory democracy can similarly help us leverage the ability, creativity and power of the many. And while forcing the change seems tempting given the urgency, long lasting transformations can only be done with everyone on board. We invited Mark Montegriffo to perform a short music concert on Saturday evening, and the beautifully crafted lyrics set the scene for the Sunday morning’s panel addressing spirituality. We were looking for the answers to how spirituality can help us become greener. By adjusting our relationship to others, to our community and other communities, by asking more profound questions about one’s place in the collective are all ways to allow spirituality work in us. Furthermore, while technology has a crucial place in the mix of solutions, it cannot be the sole solution in itself. It would risk benefitting mostly those who thrive in the current unequal system.  We are grateful to all our participants for trusting us with their time and sharing the various perspectives to enrich mind and soul. 

EcoJesuit has launched its newest campaign, 'Letters to the Earth', inviting communities, schools, and parishes to share their voices through letters and creative reflections calling for climate justice in the lead-up to COP30, the UN climate summit taking place in Belém, Brazil from 10–21 November 2025. This is what they have to say on this topic: At the heart of this initiative is you. Everyone is encouraged to write a personal letter, create artwork, or share another imaginative response expressing your concerns, hopes, and commitments for the future of our common home. To support your participation, EcoJesuit has developed digital handbooks for different age groups. These introduce ecological and theological themes from Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum, with reflection questions, scripture-based meditations, and real-life case studies from Jesuit ministries worldwide. The handbooks are freely available to download on the EcoJesuit website here. The initiative forms part of the wider Jesuits for Climate Justice: Faith in Action at COP30 campaign. This global mobilisation is calling on world leaders to: - Cancel the debts of poorer countries - Ensure a just transition to renewable energy - Adopt sustainable, agroecological food systems

On 3 July 2025, the 13th Cohort of the European Leadership Programme (ELP) concluded its intensive five-month journey in Brussels. The graduation ceremony, held at Press Club Brussels, marked a transition as young professionals and emerging leaders were celebrated for their transformative growth and readiness to contribute to European civic and policy life. ELP is an immersive formation programme launched by the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC) in collaboration with partners like UCSIA. Over five months, participants engage in community living, ethical leadership formation, coaching, and work placements within EU-related institutions—bridging theory with real-world impact. Ceremony Highlights and Key Messages Otilia Dhand, Institutional Relations Director at Temasek, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on leadership as "the power of everyday deeds." Erik De Bom, Acting Director at UCSIA, shared a stirring reminder that “compassion must be personal. Solidarity must be political,” affirming the importance of transforming personal values into social engagement. Graduates were urged to nourish the community they’ve built, emphasizing the importance of sustaining relationships beyond the programme. The newly launched ELP Alumni Board, introduced during the ceremony, ensures that the bonds formed during the programme evolve into long-term connections and opportunities for collaboration. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the upcoming 14th cohort in autumn 2025, continuing the ELP’s mission of shaping ethically grounded, socially committed leaders, aligned with the Jesuit vision of a more just and sustainable Europe

Last week’s SB62 Bonn Climate Meetings, the annual UNFCCC climate conference held each June, marked a significant first: the Society of Jesus sent a coordinated delegation to participate in this crucial event, which serves as the halfway point between COPs. This pioneering Jesuit delegation, including Colm Fahy (JESC, Brussels), Cristóbal Emilfork SJ (University of California), Jörg Alt SJ (Jesuiten Weltweit, Germany), Filipe Martins SJ (JESC, Brussels), and Richard Solly (Jesuit Missions, UK), attended not only to observe and actively participate in preparation for COP30, but also to advocate for the three key calls of the Jesuits for Climate Justice COP30 campaign. The group was supported by the remote participation of Roberto Jaramillo SJ and Daniela Alba, respectively Secretary and Advocacy Officer from the global Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat, and delivered on a daily basis personal reflections, highlights of the negotiations and videos with partners.  The concluding sentiment of the event was that whilst some progress was made, much more remains to be done. SB62 proved to be a challenging conference, with many key climate justice demands largely deferred to COP30. While some progress was made on Adaptation indicators and a draft text emerged for Just Transition, the Global Stocktake saw limited advancement due to deep divisions. Crucially, climate finance remained a major sticking point, with calls for debt cancellation and a robust Loss and Damage Fund facing resistance, leaving significant work for COP30. Overall, the conference highlighted the urgent need for global leaders to take decisive action and adequately fund poorer countries for a sustainable transition. It was obvious to observers like the Jesuit delegation that many powerful countries, such as Saudi Arabia, which have much to lose from climate legislation, used the conference as a means to delay decisions. The conference also grappled with many ‘elephants in the room’, with climate migration being a prime example. This was one of the significant observations of the participants of a side event on Climate Change and Climate Migration organised by the Jesuit group, which powerfully demonstrated a unity amongst attendees. In the event, experts Dr. Samuel Zewdie Hagos and Dr. Jörg Alt SJ led a discussion highlighting how the media often misrepresents extreme weather events in the Global South as “natural disasters,” obscuring their root causes. They also underscored the mutual interest of both the Global North and South in bold climate responses. Climate migration, a seldom-addressed but increasingly urgent issue already displacing millions, sparked a lively discussion (whose raw footage can be seen here, with both presentations available here and here), reinforcing the Catholic Church’s commitment to advocating for marginalised communities. The Jesuits for Climate Justice presence in Bonn in 2025 might be viewed as a ‘drop in the ocean’ in terms of our impact on climate activism, but the presence of church actors, and indeed the Jesuits, should not be underestimated. At a time when populism and other factors are delaying measures on climate change, it is more important than ever that faith groups come together to push the moral imperative of protecting our common home and the poorest who suffer most from this crisis. Colm FahyJESC Ecology Advocacy Officer 

From the 17th to the 21st of June, the Jesuit Social Centres in Europe gathered for the Ignatian Social Thinking week, a revival of earlier Eurojess meetings. Along with Ignatian partners such as CLC (Christian Life Community) or universities, about 30 Jesuits and lay collaborators came together to exchange and deepen their understanding of a common mission. The theme of the meeting was the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’. The aim of the meeting was threefold. Firstly, to take the pulse of the current situation in ecology politics, the state of mobilisation and the rise of opposing forces. To this end, we welcomed Eamon Ryan, former leader of the Green Party in Ireland and former Minister for the Environment and Transport (2020-2025). He spoke about the origins of his commitment, how he witnessed the development of ecological awareness and, while noting the current downturn, outlined the places where support is still present and where to press for action. This overview was then enriched by a sharing of experiences by the various centres (8 centres present!), which presented, in the form of workshops and case studies, one or other initiative they developed along the lines of Laudato Si’. These workshops covered a wide range of topics: the launch of neighbourhood gardens, various formation initiatives aimed at young adults, or the Future Generations Initiative. Finally, the meeting was an opportunity for the centres to share one or other future initiative. Alongside these three main aims, the meeting also provided an opportunity to discover the Châtelard eco-centre, under the guidance of Xavier de Bénazé. As core elements of the final evaluation of the meeting, participants spoke of the importance of learning about different realities and experiences, sharing good practices and initiatives, and a renewed sense of common mission among teams. Benoit Willemaers SJJESC Secretary for European Affairs