CROCEU takes part into high-level dialogue on polarisation of society, at the European Commission

On Monday, 17 November 2025, the annual high-level dialogue between religious leaders and the European Commission took place in Brussels. The event was hosted by European Commissioner Magnus BRUNNER and brought together representatives of the European Churches, as well as of the Jewish, Islamic and Budhist communities on the continent. The Orthodox Church was represented by His Eminence Metropolitan ATHENAGORAS of Belgium (Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople) and Moderator of the Committee of the Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU). This year's meeting was focused on the growing phenomenon of polarisation of European society and how to best tackle it, given the multi-faceted challenges that the continent is currently facing.

EU Commissioner Magnus BRUNNER

In his opening remarks, commissioner BRUNNER pointed to migration, current geopolitical developments, technological innovation and hate speech as areas that are topping the EC agenda, and on which the perspective of religious communities consequently is of particularly high interest, given the significant impact religion has, in various ways, on European societies.

Also addressing the gathering was Mrs. Antonela SBERNA, Vice-President of the European Parliament, who appreciated the constant involvement of religious leaders throughout Europe in tackling phenomena like mistrust, disinformation and social fragmentation, that are eroding the bonds holding our communities together. Responding to polarisation, she argued, cannot be reduced to a set of political measures, but implies building trust and maintaining spaces where people can peacefully encounter one another, and it is in endeavours like these that the contribution of Churches and religious communities is of particular relevance.

Metropolitan ATHENAGORAS of Belgium

Speaking on behalf of the Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU), His Eminence ATHENAGORAS addressed the complex landscape of contemporary innovations in communication and technology. He highlighted that while these advancements, including artificial intelligence, offer significant opportunities, they also present considerable challenges.

His Eminence emphasised the importance of grounding technological development in ethical principles and upholding respect for the human person. From the Orthodox standpoint, he asserted, technology should be a tool that serves humanity, rather than an influence that dominates or diminishes human dignity. This perspective underscores the critical need for ongoing ethical reflection, as society navigates the rapid evolution of modern technology.

Together with other religious leaders present, Metropolitan Athenagoras also pointed to a certain growing trend of hate speech and even violence directed against Christians in some parts of Europe, firmly condemning any form of hatred, “not only against Christians, but also against Jews, Muslims, and persons of every background or orientation. The image of God in every human being requires us to defend the dignity of all”.

As a possible solution to the challenge of social polarisation, His Eminence put forth the possibility of forging an “alliance of consciousness”, a partnership among all people of goodwill, to promote education for peace, dialogue and critical thinking, to encourage interfaith and intercultural cooperation, at both local and European level, to support the development of ethical frameworks for technology and AI that respect human dignity and not least to reaffirm the spiritual dimension of European unity, grounded in love, compassion, and hope.

Photo Credit: EC Audiovisual Service