In anticipation of Europe Day, which will be celebrated tomorrow, Friday, May 9, 2025, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has released a declaration by its President, Mgr. Mariano Crociata. Europe Day commemorates the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the European Union by promoting peace and unity among European nations. The full text follows below. Download the Statement
(Photo: Rokas Tenys/Shutterstock)
“As we prepare to celebrate Europe Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a strong and impactful European Union, grounded in its core values of respect and promotion of the dignity of every man and woman, peace and solidarity. We envision the EU as a global advocate for peace and sustainable development in our world, especially amid the current international landscape marked by multiple crises.
Today, we recall the historic Schuman Declaration of 1950, which introduced a transformative vision of political cooperation in Europe, conceived to make war between European nations practically impossible. Though seventy-five years have passed, we believe that its spirit remains valid and forward-looking.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has tragically reintroduced war to our continent, putting at risk the enduring significance of the European project that started with the Schuman declaration. While we recognise that the European Union is not without its imperfections, we also acknowledge its value: the promotion of peace, social justice and prosperity within and beyond its borders.
On this significant day, we renew our commitment to revitalising the EU’s founding ideals and call upon all people of goodwill to contribute to its improvement, striving for a more united and citizen-focused Europe, capable of responding effectively to the challenges of this complex historical moment, serving as a beacon of hope and solidarity for all the world.
Our appeal extends to the heads of state and government of EU member states, urging them to breathe new life into the European project. We belieave that this revitalisation demands progressively sharing more competences and in fully engaging to bridge the gaps that still persist.
For the EU’s Founding Fathers, Europe’s destiny was envisioned not solely for itself but intrinsically linked to the wider world. Rediscovering their spirit is crucial today, as we navigate an international environment increasingly defined by waning dialogue, the erosion of multilateralism, and persistent conflict.
Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE. (Photo: Cristian Gennari/Siciliani/COMECE)
Saint Pope John Paul II embraced this vision, proclaiming that “saying ‘Europe’ must be equivalent to saying openness”, while Pope Francis has described the EU as “a promise of peace” and “a source of development” – not only for Europe but for the world – if it rediscovers its essence as a community “.
On this special occasion, we call for ‘more Europe’ to prevent the tangible risk of irrelevance in an increasingly harsh global landscape. We dream of a Europe that champions peace and the promotion of fundamental rights as its core mission. We aspire for Europe to fulfil its potential to resolve violent conflicts and inspire hope for peace, acting as a united, reliable, and integrative force.
Today, we must not only confront the challenges that remain but also celebrate the remarkable achievements of a united Europe. We are called to dream, to imagine, and to create, planting the seeds of hope for a stronger Europe and a more peaceful, united world.”