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.
On 16 and 17 April 2026 in Spital am Pyhrn (Austria), Together for Europe was invited to help shape the agenda for the ‘Round Table’. Even during the first round of discussions, in which we shared with one another the spiritual focal points and talents present in our communities, we saw the richness they contain and how this becomes a source of fruitfulness for society.
When Fr Heinrich Walter of the Schönstatt Movement spoke about his experience with Together for Europe, of which he has been a member since the very beginning, there was a palpable sense of joy among the 60 or so participants.
Following a brief but very intense evening of prayer, the celebrations marking Johannes Fichtenbauer’s 70th birthday highlighted his varied, steadfast and fruitful work for Christian unity.
With the Easter message “Peace be with you” from Bishop Hermann Glettler of Innsbruck, the diocesan bishop responsible for the “Round Table” at the Austrian Bishops’ Conference, we began the second day in high spirits.
A number of examples of the activities carried out by Together for Europe in Austria (Carinthia, Styria, Tyrol, Vienna) and Slovakia contributed to a fruitful exchange of experiences.
Herbert Lauenroth, of the Focolare Movement, spoke about the key aspects of unity among Christian communities, including: God gathers his people together. He has torn down the walls. We are on a journey towards freedom and communion. This sometimes requires taking the risk of leaping like a trapeze artist, trusting that there is someone ready to catch me. And furthermore: I should not stop at the image I have formed of the other.
The young adults’ testimonies highlighted just how much they value freedom and diversity in Europe, and how aware they are that we must do something about this
It was interesting to note the reference to www.echtsein.live, which provides a platform in German for dialogue between Christians and people who hold different worldviews.
Finally, it was a pleasure to welcome Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament, who was receptive to the feedback during the closing round-table discussion and emphasised that the EU’s motto is also ‘Unity in diversity’.
The “Round Table” also received a message of greeting from the Steering Committee of Together for Europe, which was meeting in Vienna at almost the same time.
“It was a truly wonderful experience to witness this diversity and yet this sense of solidarity” – this was one of the comments made during the round-table discussion.
by reflecting on the identity of the European Union and the practical meaning of developing European citizenship. This is the proposal put forward by the ecumenical network Together for Europe, which on Saturday 9 May organised the event ‘A Light for Europe in a Global Twilight’ at the Teatro Rossini, the very venue from which Don Luigi Sturzo launched his ‘Appeal to the Free and Strong’ in 1919. The participants included young people and representatives from the academic and political worlds, called upon to reflect together on the founding values of the EU in the current global context. A “twilight” characterised by conflicts and crises
Leading the discussion…
Amid live musical interludes, six young people from the group Ut Omnes – founded by a group of students from LUMSA University and now expanded to include students from other universities – who will be at the European Parliament in the coming days to meet with MEPs and sign an “Intergenerational Pact”. At the heart of the debate was the issue of European citizenship, not limited solely to the institutional dimension. After all, as the young Mattia Federici emphasised in his speech, over the past few decades the EU has built ‘an extraordinary legacy’ in economic, legal and institutional terms, without, however, managing to fully instil in its citizens a genuine sense of shared belonging. European citizenship, he observed, ‘exists only in the treaties and in voting rights’
Hence the proposal to…
revitalising the European project through a new narrative, by investing in civic education and greater citizen participation in decision-making processes. But this, as Alessandra Arcidiacono – another of the young people taking part in the debate – pointed out, is not enough: ‘Citizenship is made up of laws, cultures, languages and traditions, but it is the spirit that must hold it all together’. A spirit already present in the younger generations: “Young people are already living Europe even before they can define it,” she observed. “For them, Europe is not a destination but a starting point.”
Offering a geopolitical interpretation of the current historical moment…
It was Pasquale Ferrara, ambassador and former political director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who urged those present to rediscover Europe’s original vocation as a space for dialogue and coexistence. Starting with a critique of any ‘closed’ conception of European identity, arguing that citizenship cannot be based solely on blood or descent, and citing the jurist Luigi Ferrajoli and his idea of a Constitution for the Earth, Ferrara emphasised the need for European citizenship to be situated within a broader perspective of universal citizenship. This is an achievable goal if we move beyond the image of ‘roots’ to embrace that of a ‘river’: an identity that changes, grows and transforms without losing continuity. A metaphor which, for the diplomat, aptly describes the nature of Europe, called upon to hold together its many diverse elements. After all, Europe ‘has taught the world that conflicts can be managed through the rule of law and political dialogue’. That is why, in a scenario marked by the resurgence of military force, the Old Continent should distinguish itself as a ‘gentle force’, capable of governing without succumbing to the logic of violence.
The long afternoon has come to an end…
with an ecumenical prayer service in the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, which began with opening remarks by Mons. Marco Gnavi, head of the Office for Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and New Religious Movements of the Diocese of Rome, and featured prayers for peace led by Lutherans, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Evangelicals, Methodists, Orthodox and Catholic Christians.
Youth Group Ut Omnes_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo: D. GollerPasquale Ferrara and Alberto Lo Presti_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo D.GollerEurope Day_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo D. GollerConference room TfE Event Rome 9 May 2026_Photo G. CiottoliEcumenical prayer_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo: G. CiottoliEcumenical prayer_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo: G. CiottoliEcumenical prayer_TfE Rome 9 May 2026_Photo: G. Ciottoli
The young people aim to inspire European leaders to draft laws and policies that prioritise human connection, social cohesion and lasting peace. At its core, the initiative seeks to provide a “soul” to political discourse, ensuring that the legislative future of Europe is rooted in values that unite rather than divide.
The foundational values – pratical tools
In a global climate increasingly defined by conflict and instability, the organisers believe the timing is critical. They argue that for Europe to navigate modern crises, it must reclaim its Christian roots —specifically the foundational values of forgiveness and cooperation. For the younger generation, these are not just abstract concepts but practical tools essential for fostering harmony between diverse groups in an uncertain world.
The programme and the Intergenerational Pact
The programme will include an exchange of experiences, dialogue on the theme of international order and input on some of today’s crucial issues of today. An Intergenerational Pact (click here>>), will be presented, calling for acommitment to collaboration across age groups. Representatives from various political parties will be among those who engage in discussions focussed on the vision of European unity.
For those who wish to follow the event online, details are below (do remember the time zone differences. In Brussels, the live streaming will be from 10.00 to 13.00).
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.
Together for Europe arose from the coming together of Christian communities and movements. Despite their differences and those of their Churches, they recognise a shared calling: to bear witness to fraternity as the continent’s vocation. These days of prayer are part of that journey. They are simple, communal prayers that accompany us, step by step, towards 9 May, Europe Day. Through them, we seek to entrust the continent to God together and to renew our strong commitment to peace, unity and reconciliation. The text was written by Sister Nicole Grochowina and Matthias Buehlmann.
The form of the prayers draws on an ancient Christian tradition and invites us to pause and make room for the action of the Spirit. In a time marked by fragmentation and conflict, they call for a new outpouring of hope for Europe.
One prayer, nine perspectives
Every day is accompanied by the same invocation: we ask God for eyes that see, ears that hear, hearts that welcome, feet that walk, hands that work, and mouths that proclaim the hope of His Kingdom. This repetitive prayer becomes a school of life and places a specific aspect of Christian witness at the centre of each day: a gaze that recognises beauty, listening which is authentic, a heart open to change, the journeying towards the other, hands which are of service and the courage to proclaim.
Unity in Diversity – a shared path of prayer
The central theme of these prayers is clear: Europe needs a soul. A soul nourished by the Gospel, capable of holding together unity and diversity, memory and the future. Praying in this way means to allow oneself to be personally involved, transforming prayer into daily choices and practical actions.
It is not merely a text to be read, but a shared journey that renews our ‘yes’ to Jesus’ New Commandment: to love one another. From this love springs a credible hope, capable of giving back to Europe its face and soul.
