Bridging Beliefs

Bridging Beliefs is a two-year programme (2026-27) funded by the European Commission, to bring together local authorities, religious associations, civil society organisations, and citizens from seven European countries to strengthen democratic participation and social cohesion through structured interfaith dialogue.

The European Buddhist Union will take part in this project, which is co-ordinated by ALDA (The European Association for Local Democracy), in partnership with seven other organisations.

Key events

As a response to growing religious intolerance and social polarisation, Bridging Beliefs is intended to create inclusive spaces where faith-based perspectives can contribute to civic life and local governance.

The cities of Milan, Athens, Zagreb, Vienna, Mostar, Centar and Saint-Gilles (Brussels) will host interconvictional dialogue roundtables, concluding with a roundtable in Saint-Gilles in December 2027, involving all partner organisations and participating cities, co-ordinated by the EBU.

More generally

Through capacity-building, non-formal education and international exchange of best practice, the project will equip communities and institutions with tools to embed interfaith and intercultural dialogue into democratic decision-making. 

Overall aim

Bridging Beliefs will promote peace education, democratic engagement and social inclusion, while increasing opportunities for participation by religious communities, strengthening co-operation with local authorities, and raising awareness of religious freedom and pluralism as foundations for cohesive and democratic societies.

Kapcsolat
Carlo Luyxx: c.luyckx@europeanbuddhistunion.org