Humanists call for equal representation in dialogue with Council of the EU
Publisher: In-Sight Publishing
Publisher Founding: September 1, 2014
Publisher Location: Fort Langley, Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Publication: Freethought Newswire
Original Link: https://humanists.international/2024/12/humanists-call-for-equal-representation-in-dialogue-with-council-of-the-eu/
Publication Date: December 5, 2024
Organization: Humanists International
Organization Description: Humanists International is the global representative body at the heart of the humanist movement. Inspired by humanist values, we are optimistic for a world where everyone can have a dignified and fulfilling life. We build, support and represent the global humanist movement and work to champion human rights and secularism. We support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Humanists International and several secular and humanist organisations have raised concerns about the handling of the Article 17 TFEU dialogue during the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
In 18 October 2024, the Hungarian Presidency hosted a conference titled “Shared Responsibility: Cooperation Between States and Religious Communities in Europe”. The event, organised under the framework of Article 17, excluded non-confessional organisations and representatives of religious minorities.
In a joint statement, Humanists International, the European Secularist Network, the European Association for Free Thought, and Egale criticized the lack of representation and called for more balanced engagement in future dialogues. The statement highlighted that humanist, secularist, and freethinking perspectives represent a significant segment of Europe’s population and should not be overlooked.
“The exclusion of non-confessional organisations, along with the absence of representatives from religious minorities, fails to reflect the diverse range of beliefs and worldviews that shape European societies”, the statement reads.
The signatories of the statement urged the upcoming Council Presidency trio (Denmark, Poland and Cyprus) to ensure that the Article 17 dialogue is equitable and constructive, engaging with both religious and non-confessional organisations.
For context, the Council of the European Union is a decision-making body of the EU, where Ministers from the 27 Member States meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies. Each Member State’s interests are represented by its Permanent Representation, which consists of ambassadors and diplomats based in Brussels who manage the day-to-day work of the Council. Further, the Council Presidency, held by a different EU member state every six months, is responsible for setting priorities, organizing and chairing meetings, and driving the Council’s legislative work during its term.
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