By Nicola Censini \u00b7 Coordinator for the Article 17 TFEU Dialogue, European Parliament \u00b7 Speech at the EBU AGM, Brussels, 9 May 2026<\/p>\n\n
Dear President Bettera, Dear all, We are living in a time marked by profound challenges, rapid transformations and widespread global concerns. We face complex and deeply interconnected issues (from international conflicts and economic instability to technological change, climate pressures and growing social fragmentation). Even though today we are more interconnected than ever, it is not always easy to fully understand the processes and dynamics that are reshaping our societies and influencing our common future.<\/p>\n\n
More than ever, we need dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation. In other words, we must rebuild connections between people, communities and institutions. This requires a collective commitment to breaking down barriers, reducing inequalities and building an inclusive and sustainable \u201ccommon home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
As you know, through Article 17 of the Treaty, the European Union has the obligation to conduct an open, transparent and regular dialogue with churches, religious organisations, and philosophical and non-confessional associations. This provision, which entered into force in 2009 with the framework of the Lisbon Treaty, goes far beyond a simple formal or legal obligation. It reflects the idea that the European Union is much more than an economic project, because it concerns people\u2019s lives, their dignity, and the realization of the common good.<\/p>\n\n
For this reason, it is essential to consider all dimensions of the individual: certainly the economic one, but also the social, philosophical and spiritual dimensions, which \u2013 in my opinion – cannot be reduced to a purely private matter.<\/p>\n\n
Promoting the Article 17 dialogue is important not only to strengthen mutual understanding, but also \u2014 and I can say this from the perspective of the European Parliament \u2014 to consolidate our democracy and improve the decision-making processes.<\/p>\n\n
Through the meetings and seminars we regularly organise, we work to ensure that dialogue does not remain abstract or confined to limited circles, but becomes a living and constructive exchange, capable of offering new perspectives and shared solutions to the concrete problems faced by our societies.<\/p>\n\n
We do not seek confrontation or conflict, but rather a genuine dialogue capable of overcoming divisions, nurturing the European spirit, and contributing to the development of policies for citizens that reflect the common values of our Union.<\/p>\n\n
From this perspective, I truly believe that the European Buddhist Union has made an important contribution over the past years in terms of ideas and proposals.<\/p>\n\n
The theme you have chosen for your Assembly is particularly timely. Respect for the religious rights of Buddhists in Europe points \u2013 definitely – to a broader issue: the full protection of freedom of religion or belief, and the capacity of our societies to guarantee inclusion, pluralism and equal dignity for all religious and philosophical communities.<\/p>\n\n
In this regard, Buddhism \u2014 with its tradition of dialogue, non-violence, mindfulness and search for harmony \u2014 together with the diverse Buddhist communities present across Europe, can offer an important contribution to the construction of more open, inclusive and cohesive societies.<\/p>\n\n
In a context such as the current one, often marked by polarisation and fragmentation, it reminds us of the value of listening, balance, responsibility towards others, and care for the common good.<\/p>\n\n
These are values that can enrich the European public debate and help strengthen that spirit of coexistence and mutual respect of which Europe is particularly in need today, in order to look to the future without losing sight of our shared humanity.<\/p>\n\n
For this reason, I would like to thank you again for your commitment and cooperation, I wish you all a fruitful and inspiring exchange.<\/p>\n\n
This article first appeared in EBU Magazine #15 \u2013 Practicing in Turbulent Times<\/a> (Autumn 2026). Download the full issue as PDF or browse all issues<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Nicola Censini, Coordinator for the Article 17 TFEU dialogue at the European Parliament, on why the dialogue with religious and non-confessional organisations matters \u2013 and what Buddhism brings to the European public 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