Meeting of CROCEU Members at the Ambiorix Orthodox Centre in Brussels

The members of the Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU) met on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at the Ambiorix Orthodox Centre in Brussels, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium (Ecumenical Patriarchate).

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the local Orthodox Churches and the European institutions, reviewing recent initiatives, and preparing several important events scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

Following the approval of the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 17 September 2026, the members reviewed the conference entitled “Christian Values in Europe: A New Reading of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) in View of the Current Global Uncertainties”, which took place at the European Parliament on 30 September 2026. The conference provided an opportunity for further reflection on the place of Christian values in contemporary Europe and on the importance of dialogue between the European institutions and the Churches, as provided for in Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Particular attention was then devoted to preparations for the international conference “The Values of the Holy Fathers in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: An Orthodox Christian Analysis of the Human Person, Children and the Family Structure”, which will take place on 19 and 20 November 2026 at the Ambiorix Orthodox Centre in Brussels. This conference is an initiative of Facta est Lux – Human Rights Institute, organised in cooperation with CROCEU and the “Apostle Paul” Orthodox Theological Institute in Brussels. It will bring together theologians, academics, clergy, researchers, educators, and specialists in artificial intelligence to reflect on the profound transformations brought about by this new technology in relation to the human person, children, family life, education, ethics, and society. Special emphasis will be placed on the wisdom and theological anthropology of the Holy Fathers of the Church, whose teachings offer valuable insights into the challenges of our time. In the light of the Orthodox Christian tradition, participants will be invited to explore fundamental concepts such as human dignity, freedom, responsibility, interpersonal relationships, and moral formation. The conference thus seeks to create a fruitful space for dialogue between the centuries-old Christian tradition and contemporary technological developments, placing at the heart of its reflections the question of the meaning of human existence in an increasingly digitalised society.

The members also discussed CROCEU’s participation in two important meetings organised by the European institutions in December.

On 1 December 2026, CROCEU will participate in a seminar organised at the European Parliament within the framework of the dialogue established under Article 17, on the theme “Ready Together – Building Safer, More Resilient, and Better Prepared Local Communities in Europe”. This meeting will explore ways of better preparing local communities to face societal challenges and crisis situations, as well as the contribution that religious communities can make to strengthening solidarity, resilience, and social cohesion throughout Europe.

Furthermore, CROCEU will be represented at the High-Level Meeting with Religious Leaders, which will take place on 8 December 2026 at 3 p.m., at the European Commission, on the theme “The Link between the Misuse of Religion and the Rise of Extremism”. Discussions will focus on the instrumentalisation of religion and the rise of extremism, as well as on the responsibility of religious communities to promote peace, mutual respect, and social cohesion. On this occasion, CROCEU will be represented, in accordance with the established rotation system, by His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, representative of the Bulgarian Patriarchate.

Several practical and organisational matters were also addressed, with particular emphasis on maintaining coordination among the Orthodox representations and strengthening their joint presence within the European institutions.

During their meeting, the members of CROCEU also had the pleasure of welcoming Ms Heather Roy, Secretary General of Eurodiaconia. She gave a comprehensive presentation on the work and objectives of this European organisation, which brings together an extensive network of Churches and Christian organisations active in the fields of social services, healthcare, and philanthropy. Drawing inspiration from the Christian tradition of diakonia, understood as service to one’s neighbour, Eurodiaconia is committed to combating poverty and social exclusion, supporting the most vulnerable members of society, and promoting social justice and human dignity. The organisation also represents the interests of its members before the European institutions and contributes to the development of social policies that pay particular attention to those most in need. Ms Roy emphasised the importance of cooperation between the Churches, civil society organisations, and the European institutions. Her presentation gave rise to a fruitful exchange of views on the social and philanthropic mission of the Churches and on the possibilities for closer cooperation between CROCEU and Eurodiaconia.

Once again, the meeting took place in a spirit of fraternal cooperation, mutual trust, and shared responsibility. The members underlined the importance of regular exchanges of information and close collaboration, enabling the Orthodox Churches to make a coherent and constructive contribution to the European dialogue.

Established in March 2010, CROCEU brings together the officially appointed representatives of several local Orthodox Churches to the European institutions. The Committee’s mission is to foster cooperation among these Churches, coordinate their activities, and facilitate a common Orthodox witness on matters concerning European society and the future of Europe.

The next meeting of CROCEU will take place in January 2027, at the Ambiorix Orthodox Centre in Brussels.