| Belgium – “European Business Forum” on vocational training |
| Belgium – Annual meeting of Don Bosco International |
Mr. Jorge César das Neves, Policy Adviser for Dialogue with Religions, Churches and Faith Communities at the European Commission explained the relevant articles of the new Lisbon treaty (art. 17ff).
EU Institutions acknowledge each person in EU Countries as a citizen first of all. Nevertheless there is also the recognition of the special character of their religious beliefs. As Mr. C.d. Neves underlined, the EU respects the special status of Churches (and the rules of Member States).
Mr. C.d.Neves spoke about dialogue as open, transparent and regular. Coming from their educational experience, members of DBI understood dialogue as the offering of time, as listening openly to the truth of the other, as an effort to understand the other person.
The EU Commission also intends to listen to NGOs and their contribution to political issues.
The DBI annual assembly also discussed the Europe Project, which the Rector Major called for during the 26th General Chapter. As the civil face of the Congregation with regard to the European Union, the assembly of DBI, in a letter to Rector Major, offered their support in this important issue. Especially through their civil dimension DBI (as well as the other NGOs) want to foster collaboration and exchange within Salesian Europe.
Published 23/10/2008
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