by Together for Europe | 1 Oct 2026 | Experiences, reflections and interviews, Italy, Local Events, News
Europe: our choice
The Ut Omnes* group took part in the event ‘SOTEU 2026 – Europe: Our Choice’ at the Libera Università Maria Santissima Assunta (LUMSA) in Rome. The meeting, introduced by Professor Alberto Lo Presti, followed the broadcast of the speech by the President of the European Commission.
In her lengthy speech, she began by addressing the issue of the military defence of borders, opening with a quote from Charles Dickens: ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. This dichotomy captures the essence of today’s Europe: a Union that is strong in its achievements and potential, yet vulnerable in the face of external threats.
Distinguished guests
The SOTEU featured four symbolic figures: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney; the family of Danish pilot Rune Kyndal, who died whilst fighting wildfires in Europe; Sasha Paskal, a very young Ukrainian gymnast maimed by a Russian missile and a symbol of resilience; and the founders of a tech start-up, Rafa from Poland and Pekka from Finland, who are leading experts on artificial intelligence.
The President surprised the audience by making a historic proposal for Canada to become the first ‘associate member’ of the European Union, an initiative that draws on the ecumenical values of collaboration championed by Ut Omnes and the Together for Europe network. Another key issue was the safety of children online, with reference to the 14-year-old Belgian girl Oléa, a victim of cyberbullying. To tackle such tragedies, the EU Kids Act was announced – a package of laws designed to protect children online.
The members of Ut Omnes then opened the debate. Italian MEP Marco Tarquinio (S&D), who was unable to attend as he was in Strasbourg, sent a video message focusing on immigration and borders. On the subject of solidarity, Ut Omnes quoted St Paul (‘If anyone does not want to work, let them not eat either’), to emphasise everyone’s duty to contribute to society.
Homeland of Homelands
The debate highlighted how external forces are attempting to divide the Union by fuelling nationalism, which weakens peoples rather than protecting them. Europe is described as a ‘homeland of homelands’, a symbol that is both strong and fragile. Defending the Union and the sense of freedom is a global challenge that concerns every citizen, regardless of age or gender
From an (adapted) text by Livio Tetamo Zamparini, a young member of the Ut Omnes group
*Ut Omnes is a group of young people who are committed to European unity and who work within the Together for Europe network
by Together for Europe | 18 Jun 2026 | Experiences, reflections and interviews, Local Events, News
“I am praying that we can extend the spirit of dialogue we experienced in Brussels to the whole world.” With these words, Luca, from Romania, speaks of that “something special, something great” which touched the hearts of those who took part in the Together for Europe events in Brussels from 11 to 13 May 2026.
We are compiling and making available various materials from the eventful days in Brussels, of which the morning at the European Parliament was just a part.
The day before, there was a packed afternoon programme of workshops, concluding with an ecumenical service at the Chapel of Europe, outside which the words “Europe has a Soul” are proclaimed.
The service was coordinated by the local Together for Europe group and opened with the song “We Choose Peace”. These were days in which peace was actively chosen and built.
As people were saying their goodbyes, some were repeating the phrase, “The Europe of tomorrow has already started to take shape. And it has the face of these young people.”
Materials
The links below lead to:
We will soon revisit this topic and publish additional contributions delivered during the meeting at the European Parliament.
by Together for Europe | 11 May 2026 | Local Events, News
The young people’s aim
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 a commitment 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).
The live stream
by Together for Europe | 23 Apr 2026 | 2026 Europe Day, Local Events, News
Praying day by day, towards 9 May
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.
DOWNLOAD THE PRAYERS >>
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
