European Politicians Discuss with Church Leaders Necessary Conditions for Ukraine’s Association Agreement with EU

During its last day in Brussels, the delegation of leaders and representatives of Ukrainian churches and religious organizations met with influential MEPs from Germany, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Estonia, Portugal, Slovenia, Ireland, and other EU countries.

During an official breakfast in the European Parliament, held on October 2, the sides   discussed the role of religion and moral values ​​in a democratic society, the problems of secularization, and the criteria that Ukraine must meet to sign the Association Agreement with the EU, the Institute for Religious Freedom (IRF) reports.

The delegation met with Jerzy Buzek, the last President of the European Parliament and former leader of the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents of Parliament. Now he is an MEP from Poland and a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

In addition, a personal dialogue was held with another deputy from Poland, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski), who is also a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and who previously served as Vice President of the European Parliament.

According to the IRF, members of the Ukrainian delegation and many MEPs, especially supporters of Christian democracy, expressed support for traditional religious, moral, and family values​​, which the heads of churches and religious organizations in Ukraine defended in their statements.

European politicians believe Ukraine will help a united Europe to preserve and increase the lost values on which Europe was formed centuries ago. They were interested in the experience of the Ukrainian denominations in the field of spiritual enlightenment and education of the people in moral virtues.

During the discussion, Patriarch Filaret (Denysenko) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate said: “Many questions have been raised, but it all comes down to one thing: What is the role of religion in society, the people, and the world? The answer: Without society’s faith in God, people cannot live. Religion in society plays a crucial role.”

According to the patriarch, the level of religiosity in the former Soviet Union, including in Ukraine, climbed higher than in Europe, “because we know life without religion from personal experience.” According to him, the Soviet Union wanted to build a society without religion at the price of the deaths of tens of millions of people.

“In the EU there is freedom of religion and human welfare. However, we are interested in not only the economic situation of the EU, but also religious values. We see that in Europe, these values are ​​disappearing and initiatives appear for state recognition of such sinful phenomena as same-sex partnerships. In the EU, churches are being sold and in Ukraine churches are being built. We want to take the best from the EU, and from our part, give the best to Europe, including religious and moral values, because we care about educating future generations in a religious spirit, working with children and young people,” said the Primate of the Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate.

At the same time, archpriest of the UOC-MP Rostislav Snigirov said: “That religiosity in Europe is disappearing is part of the truth; on the other hand, consumption in the EU is becoming a religion.”

“Moral spiritual values are fundamental for us, because in these matters there can be no compromise whatsoever. Political and economic positions do not need to be equated to the religious ones, which cannot change,” said Mykhailo Panochko, senior bishop of the Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith of Ukraine.

The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk, described the unique experience of interfaith dialogue and understanding in Ukraine, which the European officials also noted during the discussion. He also stressed the importance of preserving religious freedom in Ukraine in various areas of social life, such as education, culture, information space, after ​​steps toward rapprochement with the European community are made.

According to European politicians, the question of religion, public morality, and culture relate to the internal policy of each EU member state, which allows Ukraine to defend its traditions and identity.

However, the European officials unanimously stressed the need for progress on the part of Ukraine in improving electoral legislation and reforming the legal system – the judiciary and prosecution (including the prevention of selective justice and violence against political opponents).

During meetings with the religious leaders, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Elmar Brok, the leadership of the European People's Party (EPP), and other MEPs voiced these conditions, along with words of support for the European aspirations of the Ukrainian people.