by Alberto Lo Presti | 22 May 2026 | Experiences, reflections and interviews, Local Events, News
Young people from Together for Europe are livening up Brussels with their enthusiasm
The European Quarter in Brussels is a maze of offices, headquarters and agencies operating within the European Union, whose acronyms sometimes sound like tongue-twisters. Serious-looking, professional officials and executives wander along its streets. As you walk through them, you hear different languages being spoken and encounter unusual customs. Yet, this variety does not give the impression of confusion, because the whole scene is underpinned by a great sense of composure. This sleepy routine was briefly disrupted between 11 and 13 May, when a group of around 100 enthusiastic young people made their way through the institutions of the European Union, bringing with them commitment and passion. They weren’t on a school trip, far from it! They were the young people of Together for Europe, well-prepared and inspired, who see Europe not as a goal to be achieved, but as their secure starting point from which to look out onto the whole world.
Dialogue in times of crisis
Joining them were a number of MEPs and other public figures: Andrea Wechsler, Antonella Sberna, Leoluca Orlando, Eduard Heger, Jeff Fountain, Giuseppe Lupo, Miriam Lexmann, Gerhard Pross, Nicole Grochowina… These are illustrious names: should we mention the countries they came from? Perhaps there is no need: they were Europeans. Adding that they were Italians, Slovaks, Germans, Dutch, Austrians… does little to help us understand the reasons that led all these people to meet with the young people. These reasons stem from the current crisis, in which there seems to be no room for unity among peoples and nations. No one can even guarantee peace anymore.
Unity rather than divisions and conflicts
Against this backdrop, Together for Europe has sought to demonstrate that unity is not merely an option, but rather the very fabric of the historical evolution of the European peoples. And if today this fabric seems buried beneath the rubble of ongoing conflicts, Together for Europe has set itself the task of bringing it back to light, offering its own experience of collaboration among Christians as a way to rebuild the European edifice on the foundations of unity. All together: members of different Churches, citizens of different countries and, above all, people of different generations. Young people, adults and the elderly inhabit this heart-wrenching present, and only by coming together can they resolve its contradictions.
Intergenerational Pact for a Global and United Europe
The challenge, therefore, is also intergenerational. This is why the young people from Together for Europe wanted to present the MEPs and other dignitaries present with an Intergenerational Pact >>, setting out a mutual commitment to work towards a Europe that is a beacon of peace and solidarity. Where did the 100 young participants come from? In addition to Europeans (and here too, it matters little whether they were Austrian, Belgian, Finnish, Italian, Dutch, Romanian, Scottish, Slovak, Swedish, German or Hungarian…), there were Brazilians, Canadians, Chinese, Colombians, South Africans, Mexicans and Americans… For Europe does not exist in isolation, since its vocation is to extend its reach globally, offering its set of values forged in Christianity, lived out in ecumenical dialogue, and amplified by the inspiring projects of the young people of Together for Europe.
All photo: Young people from Together for Europe at the European Parliament, May 2026_©Together4Europe
by Beatriz Lauenroth | 24 Apr 2026 | Experiences, reflections and interviews, News
From 16 to 18 April 2026, the annual retreat of the Steering Committee was held at the Schoenstatt Centre on the Kahlenberg in Vienna. Twenty-six representatives from eight Christian movements spent several days listening and discerning, during a period marking a historic turning point in the life of the international coordination.
A generational change in the spirit of unity
The highlight of the meeting was the handover by some of the Committee’s long-standing members, who have dedicated themselves to supporting TfE’s journey for decades. Their moving farewell paved the way for a new chapter, built on a spirit of gratitude and trust.
Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, highlighted the value of this service; in a letter, she expressed her deep gratitude to the outgoing members for their contribution to shaping the network’s identity and journey.
The leadership of the network is being handed over to a new moderation group made up of three members, drawn from different Churches and movements. This is a tangible sign of continuity and openness to new horizons. In a European context marked by uncertainty, IpE reaffirms its mission: to bear witness that unity in diversity is a prophetic response to the challenges of our time.
Agenda and next steps
During the meeting, a number of future priorities were outlined, with particular emphasis on the role of the National Committees and the involvement of young people. Events already scheduled include:
11–13 May 2026 – To mark Europe Day, around 120 young people will present a “Pact between Generations” to the European Parliament, based on their experiences within TfE.
Annual meeting of the “Friends of Together for Europe” in Würzburg (Germany).
This journey therefore continues, in the knowledge that walking together, whilst making the most of each other’s gifts, remains the way to build a Europe that is more united, more supportive and open to the future.
Beatriz Lauenroth
Read also the release dated 18 April 2026 >>
Photo: K. Oberegelsbacher / L. Taite
by Klaus Henning | 12 Mar 2026 | Experiences, reflections and interviews, Local Events, News
Aachen – A symbol of European history
Aachen, a city with a deeply European soul, provided the ideal setting. During our visit to the cathedral and the historic centre, the layers of history became tangible: from the legacy of Charlemagne to the scars of the Second World War in the Euregio. In this historical setting, we felt like a “miniature Europe”: a lively diversity from South Limburg, Flanders, Wallonia, the German-speaking community of Belgium and the Rhineland. A special gift was the completely unexpected meeting with Fadi Krikor (Meeting of Leaders) and his wife Nicole right inside the cathedral.
Foundations of peace: Adenauer and de Gaulle
An impetus from Klaus Henning reminded us of the “axis of reconciliation” between France and Germany. The work of Konrad Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle, after eighty years of enmity and three devastating wars, laid the foundations for a peaceful Europe. This historic reconciliation remains a central pillar and a mandate for the future.
Unity in diversity: praise and intercession
Despite our different traditions and languages – French, Dutch and German – we were united by our clear focus on Jesus Christ. Our time of communal worship was deeply marked by this central theme. At the same time, we prayed for the suffering of the world, especially the people in the war zones of Iran, Israel and Ukraine. With our blessings and prayers, Jeff and Romkje Fontaine (Schuman Centre) left for Ukraine the very next day.
A day that gives hope
The warm hospitality at the Henning home created an atmosphere of mutual respect and brotherly love. The participants’ feedback speaks for itself: ‘It was a wonderful and profound experience of hope!’ Another voice summed up the experience as follows: ‘It gave me great inner joy to be together as a family. Let us continue to pray for one another and ask God for the grace that peace may return to the world. It was a day full of stars!’
by Klaus Henning
Photo: Klaus Henning
by Alberto Lo Presti | 21 Jan 2026 | Experiences, reflections and interviews, Local Events, News
The goal is to bear witness to the unity among Christians in Europe in order to put it at the service of the development of European policies, moving towards reconciliation and peace. In an international context marked by wars, there is a need to draw on the heritage of Christian values to address the challenges of coexistence among the peoples of the Old Continent.
These values, these principles, are contained in the Christian soul of Europe: ‘Reviving Europe: A Soul for Reconciliation’ is the title of the meeting we will hold at the European Parliament on May 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The program includes the exchange of experiences among young people, dialogue between representatives of political forces on the theme of international order, and exploration conducted by some experts on crucial issues for continental and global balances.
In the preceding days, on the 11th and 12th, guided tours of the European Union’s institutional venues and working sessions between young people and European policy experts are planned.
To adequately prepare for this event, Together for Europe has planned a series of four preliminary meetings, held via video call, attended by all those who will experience the event in Brussels. During these meetings, mutual acquaintance is encouraged, European citizenship is promoted starting from its cultural and institutional characteristics, and the role of Together for Europe in today’s world is examined.
The schedule of these preliminary meetings:
- Friday, January 16, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday, February 6, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday, March 13, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday, April 9, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Those who wish to participate in the video calls can register admin@together4europe.org.
Alberto Lo Presti
Photo: K.Brand/Canva
by Marjana e Pavel Snoj | 16 Dec 2025 | Experiences, reflections and interviews, Local Events, News
Unprecedented national unity
Preparations for the vote generated a unity never before seen in the 35-year history of independent Slovenia. The referendum campaign succeeded in transcending traditional political divisions between left and right, focusing instead on respect, value and the culture of life. For the first time, all Christian denominations (Catholics, Evangelicals, Serbian and Macedonian Orthodox), all major Slovenian movements and communities, as well as Muslims, came together to launch a joint message against the law. The fight was mainly promoted by lay people, with the support of doctors, lawyers, psychologists and a large number of young people.
The campaign and the debate
The initiative began in January 2024 with a visit from Alex Schadenberg, a Canadian pioneer in anti-euthanasia activism, who highlighted the pitfalls of the legislation. The campaign was widespread, with over 100 meetings, conferences and panel discussions across the country, often with three or four significant events per day. Although 85% of the mainstream media was controlled by parties in favour of the law, activists made extensive use of social networks and Catholic radio (which provided daily services against euthanasia) to disseminate recorded testimonies from patients, disabled people, doctors and nurses. In addition, all major religious communities and medical organisations in Slovenia issued joint statements against euthanasia, strengthening the “NO” front.
The Power of Faith and Prayer
A crucial element of the campaign was a strong spiritual support. Religious communities, with the support of Slovenian bishops, organised a wide variety of activities: prayers in all parishes, novenas and recitation of the Rosary (even at 5 a.m. on the radio), days of fasting and prayer, including members of the Muslim community. Solidarity in prayer also came from Croatia, Bosnia and other Eastern European countries. Participation exceeded the 20% quorum of those eligible to vote. The success of the referendum cemented Christian unity and demonstrated that the battle for the value of life is a cause that can unite an entire nation. One participant’s impression: ‘The culture of life has won here.’
And is not the YES to life – ‘we are committed to defending its inviolable dignity in all its stages, from conception to natural death’ – the first of the seven YESes, to which our ecumenical network is committed?
Marjana and Pavel Snoj (TfE Slovenia)
by Maria Wienken e Alberto Lo Presti | 15 Dec 2025 | Experiences, reflections and interviews, News
Of different denominations, but with a common basis
Together for Europe participated in the 28th European Prayer Breakfast, an annual event held in Brussels, an initiative created to bring together Christians from various Churches and denominations who are involved in various roles (parliamentarians, experts, supporters) related to the institutions of the European Union. It was an opportunity to forge new friendships, consolidate old ones and learn about the rich world of Christians who are working to promote peace and harmony among the peoples of Europe. In line with the aims of Together for Europe, MEP Mavridis of Cyprus, a member of the International Assembly on Orthodoxy (I.A.O.), introduced the breakfast session with the following words: ‘Even though we are from different denominations, Jesus is the common base that unites us.’
Jeff Fountain (Netherlands), Alberto Lo Presti (Italy) and Maria Wienken (Germany), participating on behalf of Together for Europe, had some wonderful and fruitful meetings with some special friends: Eduard Heger, former Prime Minister of Slovakia, who encouraged us to continue to support MEPs in their commitment to Christian politics; Miriam Lexmann, who renewed her willingness to collaborate in view of an upcoming meeting in May at the European Parliament; and others who were eager to learn about the experience of Together for Europe.
Beyond the numbers
Prior to this event, an interesting seminar organised by the Secretariat of Art.17, responsible for ‘Dialogue between religions and non-confessional visions’, entitled ‘Beyond the numbers’ took place. The aim was to focus on the European balance sheet in terms of encouraging dialogue and relations between the religious and philosophical conceptions that nourish the European spirit. The parliamentary chamber in which the event took place appeared as a colourful mosaic of religions, philosophical traditions, spiritual inspirations and cultural institutions. Yet there was no air of confusion. Commitment to Europe was the common denominator, confirming that this is the era of networking, of moving forward together, seeking to increase dialogue and encounters between those who care about the destiny of the Old Continent and, with it, the destiny of humanity.
The contribution of Together for Europe
In this regard, the contribution of Together for Europe was recognised as indispensable by Antonella Sberna, Italian MEP and Vice-President of Article 17 EU, who fondly recalled the event on 15 May and offered her support for a future event in May 2026. There were also cordial greetings with the President of COMECE, Monsignor Crociata, and the Secretary, Reverend Barroso, as well as with the two representatives of the KEK. German MEP Monika Hohlmeier expressed interest in learning more about our network, and we agreed to meet in Germany.
In conclusion, we were able to participate in two events held at the European Parliament: one on multilateralism, entitled ‘The role of Europe in UN reform,’ with speakers such as Nicola Zingaretti and Lucia d’Annunziata, and another on ‘The role of faith in building social cohesion,’ promoted by Prof. Mc. Donagh of the Centre for Religions, Human Values and International Relations. At the latter event, the Together for Europe network was also briefly presented, arousing appreciation and interest.
Maria Wienken, Alberto Lo Presti
