Ján Figeľ

Month: November 2017

  • Europe must be built on responsible freedom, EU religious freedom envoy says

    Europe must be built on responsible freedom, EU religious freedom envoy says

    Credit: European People’s Party via Flickr CC BY 2.0

    Vatican City, Nov 16, 2017 / 09:00 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The European Union’s special envoy for religious freedom has called for “responsible freedom,” in the wake of the Vatican-based (Re)Thinking Europe conference, held Oct. 27 – 29 in the Vatican. In an interview with CNA, EU Special Envoy Jan Figel stressed that “Christians should contribute to a free and one, reconciled and united Europe, by their active responsibility on all levels of public life.” He underscored that “responsible freedom is what we all need. Without responsibility, freedom remains immature, or even ceases to exist, becoming an easy victim of populism extremism or even suffer for various ideology.” A former EU Commissioner for School and Education, Jan Figel was appointed in May 2016 as the Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief outside the European Union. Figel is a native of Slovakia, and a well-known figure in Slovakian and European politics.

    The appointment of an EU Special Envoy for Religious Freedom was announced in 2016, after Pope Francis was awarded the Charlemagne Prize by EU Commission President Jean Claude Juncker. The Pope stressed the importance of protecting religious freedom when he received the prize.

    As special envoy, Figel took part in last month’s (Re)Thinking Europe gathering, which brought European leaders together to reflect on the culture, heritage, and future of the continent. Figel said the conference was an occasion to discuss religious freedom in Europe, and around the globe. “Freedom is a great human gift and phenomenon, but without responsibility it is not sustainable,” Figel told CNA. “Freedom needs maturity via active citizenship. We are free to choose, to decide, but only by seeking the common good will we strengthen our freedom. Decisions opposed to the freedoms and fundamental rights of others weaken or even eliminate overall freedom in society,” he added. On the other hand, Figel said, “responsible freedom recognizes and respects duties and obligations together with rights. Our modern sense of unilateral, rights-only ‘freedom’ undermines and erodes the freedom of a whole society. My rights are possible and achievable only by respecting my obligations towards the others and towards the community I live in. This balanced attitude represents mature acting, and builds up responsible freedom”. Figel emphasized that “Christians have been very active in the process of European integration. Their political contribution was unquestionable, even decisive through leaders like Schuman, Adenauer, De Gasperi, Monet and others.” “Today Christians should not stay aside or lament over the situation, but the opposite, they should bring again what is missing and needed for European renewal: fundamental values, personal commitment and spirit of unity. These contributions cannot be generated by the market, by the euro or by geography. They are fruits of responsible freedom, sense of solidarity and goodwill, and of reasonable, true solutions of problems,” he said. “Europe knows very well two distinct lines of social evolution through the lessons of the twentieth century. And therefore Europe should embrace and promote the essential value of freedom of religion or belief much more actively.” Figel explained that “freedom of religion is a litmus test of all human rights, because if this is disregarded, other political and civil rights are restricted as well. I can speak a lot about this lesson from experiences in communist Czechoslovakia and in the Soviet bloc countries.” While Figel’s mandate concerns promoting religious liberty outside of Europe, he spoke with CNA about Europe’s own struggles to secure freedom of religion. According to the 2016 Aid to the Church in Need Report for Religious Freedom in the World, religious liberty continues to be threatened in several European nations.

    Jan Figel noted that “internal and external EU policies are two parts of the same community agenda. Therefore more attention, fair engagement in favor of freedom of religion internationally can help to renew European commitment at home. This is one of the reasons why my mandate as special envoy is oriented outside the EU, but at the same time connected with the Lisbon Treaty.” The Lisbon Treaty is an international agreement that is the legal basis for the European Union. The treaty calls for dialogue and respect between EU nations and churches, religious associations and philosophical and non-confessional organizations. Figel told CNA that Pope Francis is an important figure for the protection of religious liberty in Europe. He said that the Pope “clearly understands the importance of freedom of religion for Europe, but for global development as well.” Figel praised the Pope’s recognition of “dignity, justice, solidarity and dialogue” as pillars of European identity.

    “I see how important these principles and pillars are becoming for Europe and for the world as well,” he said. Figel said that “human dignity is the first and foundational value for people everywhere, especially after a century of genocides, starting in Armenia one hundred years ago, up to mass atrocities recently committed by ISIS. Peace is the fruit of justice. To work for justice, especially at the UN institutions, is the best war-preventive measure.” He added that the Pope’s principles “are needed if contemporary Europe is to become true the holder of its destiny, leader of humanity, protector of democracy, and example of universal solidarity. And such a Europe will serve as a source of hope and integral humanism for both its people and for the world. This is message of Robert Schuman and of EU’s founding fathers to our generation. I share this dream and vision”. As Europe begins to understand its identity, Figel said, “then reasonable reforms and policies must follow, responding to for today´s wave of frustration, populism and extremism.”

    Figel said that now is the time for Europe to “shift from politics of identities to the ethics of responsibilities, without abandoning the importance of any identity, without questioning the diversity of our cultures, nations and religions. Unity, but not uniformity, based on equal dignity of all people is both a noble vision and a practical need. Christians and the Church historically offered a tremendous spiritual inspiration, a treasury of experience, and good tools to build and promote such a reconciled human community.”

    Article available here: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/europe-must-be-built-on-responsible-freedom-eu-religious-freedom-envoy-says-32918

  • Ján Figeľ’s speech at Forum Paix et Sécurité Pan-Africain in Dakar, Senegal

    Ján Figeľ’s speech at Forum Paix et Sécurité Pan-Africain in Dakar, Senegal

    In my speech, I want to address three issues: i) EU approach to resilience, ii) EU approach to counter-radicalisation and iii) importance of freedom of religion or belief and interreligious dialogue

    1) EU approach to resilience

    • In June 2017, the EU presented a new strategy for more resilient states and societies around the world, promoting a more structural and long-term approach to vulnerabilities, with the aim to prevent them to turn into crisis.
    • It is based on the EU global strategy, which speaks of resilience as “a broad concept encompassing all individuals and the whole of society” that features “democracy, trust in institutions and sustainable development, and the capacity to reform”. Support to resilience at all levels is also an integral part of the new European Consensus on Development.
    • The European Union’s unique contribution to stability in the Sahel region is a good example of this resilience approach: European humanitarian aid helps to manage the immediate crisis of displaced people, while our development cooperation tackles the longer-term root causes of poverty, by supporting complementary actions for job creation, access to education, governance, health and climate mitigation.
    • In addition, the EU is a security provider to the region. The EU supports the G5 Sahel Joint force, with the aim to fight terrorism and enhance cross-border cooperation. All of these actions support the resilience of the region.
    • Identifying and building upon existing positive sources of resilience is as important as tracking and responding to vulnerabilities. Such factors may take the form of institutionalised or informal democratic and good governance or justice systems, non-state institutions and organisations, embedded cultural norms and practices or ad hoc community-driven solutions that complement state capacities or compensate for their absence. Resilience has to be addressed at multiple levels – state, society and community.
    • This is an important aspect in the context of the specific challenge of strengthening the resilience of societies against terrorism and violent extremism.

    2) EU approach to counter-radicalisation

    • Radicalisation is the first step potentially to violent extremism and terrorism – but there is no automaticity. Addressing the causes of radicalisation and terrorist recruitment is a key priority for the EU. The pull and push factors that determine the drivers of radicalisation classically can be structural, individual and enabling factors; they are on the one hand almost everywhere identical, but at the same time also much depend on specific local circumstances. Radicalisation happens locally but concerns whole societies and leaves roles and responsibilities for each, also governments.
    • The EU’s counter-radicalisation strategy was updated in 2016 and now lists the following measures requiring action: (i) still the need to understand; (ii) the need to bring justice and security to all, (iii) the need for voices of mainstream and common values to prevail; (iv) the need for governments to enhance their communications; (v) the support to counter narratives; (vi) engagement with front line professionals such as teachers, psychologists etc; (vii) the building of resilience; (viii) the countering of online radicalisation and (ix) reinforced rehabilitation and disengagement programmes.
    • This strategy is firmly rooted in the UN framework and standards set, notably the UN Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) Action Plan to which we actively contributed and that the EU fully subscribes to and seeks to implement. The EU also gets inspiration of the work it does within the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) that has adopted an important document, the ‘Lifecycle of Radicalisation’ Toolkit with 9 best practice documents for each of the three phases of radicalisation: (i) prevention; (ii) detection/identification, (iii) rehabilitation/reintegration as well as (iv) cross cutting aspects.
    • In its conclusions of 19 June 2017 on EU External Action on Counter-Terrorism, the European Council recalled that “The EU is particularly well positioned to counter terrorism and violent extremism in a unique and integrated manner with the extensive set of instruments at its disposal. These instruments allow the EU to address the root causes of radicalization, to support social and economic development, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights.”
    • The EU mainstreams CVE into assistance programmes. Priority countries at present are the MENA region and the Arab world, but we also very actively engaged in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel . Main efforts consist in raising awareness of counter radicalisation, empower youth and women, provide training and mentoring where needed etc.
    • The EU is also part of a small group called ‘Donor community of Practitioners on Development and PVE’ led by DK and the US that seeks to identify best practice in external assistance to resilience.
    • In the conclusions of 19 June, the Council of 28 EU countries also called “for increased engagement in the field of P/Preventing Violent Extremism, including at the global level.” and for “particular focus” to “be placed on the role of women, youth, civil society, victims of terrorism, and religious and community leaders as change agents in society.”
    • We have seen that in the area of countering violent extremism:
    • investment in prevention is key and most urgent;
    • involvement of front line practitioners too;
    • the use of credible voices has proven very efficient;
    • only a multi-agency and whole society approach bring tangible results;
    • do tailor-made interventions based on solid research on the specific local context as this can differ quite a bit and thus the response has to match.

    3) Freedom of Religion or Belief and Promotion of inter-religious dialogue

    • The UNGA 71 (December 2016) EU FoRB resolution, in addition to maintaining the updates of previous years, explicitly refers to the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive community-based preventive approach, to fight against acts of terrorisms.
    • An inclusive and participative approach to resilience against terrorism and violent extremism necessarily includes religious leaders, as these influential agents of change in their communities are best placed to counter religious justifications for violent extremism.
    • The EU supports initiatives in the field of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue in the spirit of openness, engagement, and mutual understanding, including in the framework of UNESCO, the UN Alliance of Civilisations, the Anna Lindh Foundation, and the Istanbul process.

    Protection and Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief

    • Inter-religious dialogue to foster mutual understanding and tolerance and build mutual trust goes hand in hand with the protection and promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief. EU is determinate to promote, in its external human rights policy, freedom of religion or belief as a right to be exercised by everyone everywhere, based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination and universality. The limitations to FORB are in accordance with international standards and must be strictly interpreted. Limitations for other reasons, such as national security, are not permitted.
    • The most specific EU financial tool with an explicit commitment to promote FoRB is the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). The EIDHR now covers FoRB-related activities in all regions of the world with around 40 FoRB related projects, accounting for more than 15,000,000 euros. Moreover, the 2017 global call for proposals will also address freedom of religion and belief, including the promotion of dialogue, and emphasising the role of religious and other leaders in these processes.
    • The EU is strongly committed to continue to engage with international organisations in this area. Examples of cooperation are the Marrakesh Declaration of January 2016, which was a significant development in taking forward the principle of affirming the rights of religious minorities in Muslim countries and the Rabat Action Plan.

    The EU believes that Freedom of religion or belief is fundamental Human Rights, which needs to be upholding for all and everywhere. This fundamental rights is so important because it is about human dignity which is at the core of the human rights agenda. Freedom of religion or belief is more important for societies and for good governance than for religions. History shows that religion always survive even in totalitarian regimes while societies suffer from divisions and persecutions. Peaceful and cohesive societies require this fundamental freedom to thrive.

  • Ján Figeľ: Európa potrebuje dušu

    Ján Figeľ: Európa potrebuje dušu

    Osobitný vyslanec Európskej únie pre náboženskú slobodu vo svete Ján Figeľ v rozhovore pre vatikánsku agentúru CNA vyjadruje svoje názory na najdôležitejšie hodnoty, ktorých sa má Európska únia držať. Hovorí o nedávnej konferencii „Premyslime Európu“, o práci na poli náboženskej slobody na kontinente i vo svete a o úlohe kresťanov v prinášaní novej zanietenosti pre dobro všetkých.

    Titulná snímka: Ján Figeľ so študentami z Nigérie, kde pôsobí militantné hnutie Boko Haram, na Konferencii o prenasledovaní kresťanov v Budapešti. (október 2017)

    SLOBODU POSILŇUJEME HĽADANÍM SPOLOČNÉHO DOBRA

    Ako by ste vysvetlili termín „zodpovedná sloboda“?

    Kedy nie je sloboda zodpovedná? Sloboda je veľkým darom a fenoménom človeka. Ale bez zodpovednosti je neudržateľná, ba môže sa aj vytratiť. Sloboda potrebuje zrelosť vo forme aktívneho občianstva. Môžeme si slobodne vyberať a rozhodovať sa, ale svoju slobodu posilňujeme len hľadaním spoločného dobra. Ak volíme rozhodnutia v protiklade so slobodami a základnými právami iných, oslabujeme či dokonca ničíme celkovú slobodu v spoločnosti.

    Zodpovedná sloboda spolu s právami tiež uznáva a uskutočňuje povinnosti a záväzky. Moderné trendy jednostrannej mentality, ktoré sa orientujú iba na práva, podkopávajú a narúšajú celkovú slobodu spoločnosti. Moje práva sú možné a dosiahnuteľné iba tak, že budem dodržiavať svoje povinnosti voči ostatným a voči komunite, v ktorej žijem. Tento vyvážený prístup predstavuje zrelé konanie a buduje zodpovednú slobodu.

    Tento výrok použil vo svojom príhovore na záver konferencie Rethinking Europe – Premyslime Európu kardinál Reinhard Marx, predseda Komisie biskupských konferencií Európskeho spoločenstva COMECE. Pozvanie zúčastniť sa tejto konferencie mi pripomenulo skutočnosť, že aj zriadenie tejto novej pozície pri Európskej únii, a tým aj moje súčasné poslanie, oznámil tiež práve vo Vatikáne predseda komisie Juncker pri príležitosti udelenia Ceny Karola Veľkého pápežovi Františkovi v máji 2016. Tento fakt symbolizuje historické prepojenie mojej agendy s Rímom a medzinárodnými snaženiami o budovanie mostov.

    SLOBODA VYZNANIA JE LAKMUSOVÝM TESTOM ĽUDSKÝCH PRÁV

    Ste osobitným vyslancom Európskej únie pre náboženskú slobodu. Ako by mala Európa viac posilňovať náboženskú slobodu vo svete?

    Európa veľmi dôverne pozná dve línie vývoja, o ktorých ju poučili lekcie 20. storočia – línia mieru a slobody a línia vojny a totality. Preto by sa mala aktívnejšie držať základnej hodnoty slobody vyznania a presvedčenia, a to vo svete i vo svojom vnútri. Tá totiž zahŕňa slobodu myslenia, svedomia, náboženského vyznania a presvedčenia, ktoré sú vzácne a dôležité pre život a dôstojnosť každej osoby. Je lakmusovým testom všetkých ľudských práv, pretože ak sa nerešpektuje, tak sa okliešťujú aj iné politické a občianske práva. Bolo by možné o tom veľa hovoriť zo skúseností v komunistickom Československu a v krajinách sovietskeho bloku. V čase zlej globálnej situácie a zhoršujúcich sa trendov v mnohých krajinách a regiónoch sveta by mala Európa šíriť povedomie o dôležitosti slobody vyznania a náležitým spôsobom podporovať túto agendu. Znamená to vlastne výzvu konať proti prenasledovaniu a diskriminácii, zastaviť vojnové konflikty a pracovať na spravodlivejšom a rovnejšom prístupe k rôznym náboženským menšinám a komunitám. Je to naša zodpovednosť aj náš spoločný záujem.

    KRESŤANIA BY MALI PRINÁŠAŤ DUCHA JEDNOTY

    Konferencia sa uskutočnila pod názvom „Premyslime Európu“. Ako to dosiahnuť? Aké dojmy máte po tomto zhromaždení?

    Zhromaždenie bolo veľmi užitočné a časovo aktuálne, pretože mnoho ľudí má opodstatnené obavy o budúcnosť európskej integrácie. Dôvera v projekt Európskej únie bola oslabená brexitom, rastúcou nestabilitou na kontinente a v jeho susedstve, prechádzaním cez desaťročie viacerých kríz – menovej, finančnej, ekonomickej, migračnej i politickej.

    Kresťania boli veľmi aktívni v procese európskej integrácie. Ich politický prínos je nespochybniteľný, dokonca rozhodujúci prostredníctvom lídrov ako Schuman, Adenauer, De Gasperi, Monet a iní. Kresťania by ani dnes nemali ostať bokom alebo lamentovať nad situáciou, ale naopak – opäť prinášať to, čo chýba a čo je potrebné pre obnovu Európy: základné hodnoty, osobnú zanietenosť a ducha jednoty. Toto nedokáže dodať trh, euro ani geografia. Je to ovocie zodpovednej slobody, zmyslu pre solidaritu, dobrej vôle a rozumných, skutočných riešení problémov.

    VIACERÉ KRAJINY ZVÝŠILI ZÁUJEM O OCHRANU NÁBOŽENSKEJ SLOBODY V EÚ

    Vašou úlohou je presadzovať a obhajovať náboženskú slobodu mimo hraníc EÚ. Sú správy – mám teraz na mysli napríklad nedávnu správu ACN (Pomoc trpiacej Cirkvi) – ktoré zdôrazňujú ohrozenosť náboženskej slobody v rámci Európy. Akým spôsobom môže vaša činnosť pomôcť Európe prehodnotiť právo jej obyvateľov na náboženskú slobodu?

    Vnútorné a vonkajšie politiky EÚ sú dvoma časťami rovnakej komunitnej agendy. Preto viac pozornosti a väčšia vonkajšia, medzinárodná angažovanosť, čo sa týka náboženskej slobody, môže pomôcť obnoviť európsku oddanosť náboženskej slobode doma. Toto je jeden z dôvodov, prečo je môj mandát osobitného vyslanca EÚ pre náboženskú slobodu vo svete orientovaný na krajiny mimo EÚ, ale zároveň prepojený s vnútorným dialógom s cirkvami podľa čl. 17 Zmluvy o EÚ.

    Ostatné kolo vysokého pravidelného, transparentného a otvoreného dialógu s cirkvami a náboženskými komunitami na vysokej úrovni prebehlo 7. novembra v Bruseli. Zvolávateľom je prvý podpredseda Európskej komisie Franz Timmermans. Rovnako sa konajú stretnutia s nekonfesnými organizáciami.

    Zintenzívnila sa tiež angažovanosť Európskeho súdu pre ľudské práva v Štrasburgu v týchto záležitostiach, a to nielen kvôli nárastu migrácie. Viaceré krajiny nominovali osobitných predstaviteľov a vyslancov alebo založili observatóriá na posilnenie ochrany a podpory náboženskej slobody – napríklad Nórsko, Fínsko, Dánsko, Taliansko. Veľmi oceňujem tieto novovzniknuté záväzky.

    EURÓPA MÁ BYŤ PRÍKLADOM UNIVERZÁLNEJ SOLIDARITY

    Dialóg, inklúzia, solidarita, rozvoj a mier sú piatimi piliermi, na ktorých treba postaviť Európu, hovorí pápež František. Súhlasíte s ním? Existuje pilier, ktorý by ste pridali?

    Hoci pápež František pochádza z Latinskej Ameriky, jasne rozumie dôležitosti spoločnej európskej budúcnosti pre starý kontinent, ale aj pre globálny rozvoj. Rád by som zdôraznil dôstojnosť, spravodlivosť, subsidiaritu, solidaritu a dialóg. Vo svojej súčasnej pozícii a ako bývalý európsky komisár pre vzdelanie, kultúru a mládež zblízka pozorujem rastúcu dôležitosť týchto princípov a pilierov pre Európu a tiež pre svet.

    Ľudská dôstojnosť je prvou a najdôležitejšou hodnotou pre ľudí kdekoľvek, zvlášť po storočí genocíd, počnúc genocídou Arménov pred sto rokmi až po masové vraždy vykonávané bojovníkmi ISIS na kresťanoch, jezídoch a ďalších menšinách na Blízkom východe v posledných rokoch.

    Mier je ovocím spravodlivosti, preto zlepšenie a zintenzívnenie úsilia pre spravodlivosť, vrátane a najmä v inštitúciách Organizácie spojených národov, je najlepšou prevenciou vojnových konfliktov.

    Subsidiarita je alternatívnym menom pre slobodu a dobre organizovanú vnútroštátnu a medzištátnu spoluprácu. Je to aj kľúčový princíp cirkevného sociálneho učenia. EÚ sa musí učiť tomuto princípu lepšie, ako tomu bolo v nedávnej minulosti. Princíp subsidiarity je dôležitý pre obnovu vzájomnej dôvery – medzi štátmi a inštitúciami EÚ a jej občanmi.

    Solidarita predstavuje spojivo v múroch nášho európskeho domu. Bez solidarity sa tento dom rozpadne. Rozumná, efektívna solidarita prichádza po subsidiarite. Solidarita so zraniteľnými a tými, ktorí sa ocitli na okraji spoločnosti, je vzájomne výhodnou investíciou proti chudobe, rozdeleniu a extrémizmu. Tieto princípy reprezentujú základ spoločného dobra, ktorého podpora dnes tak často chýba v medzinárodných a národných politikách.

    A napokon, dialóg reprezentuje kultúru otvorenosti, učenie sa o ostatných a súcit s ľuďmi a svetom.

    Tieto princípy sú potrebné, ak sa má Európa v 21. storočí stať naozajstným držiteľom svojho osudu, lídrom ľudskosti, ochrancom demokracie a príkladom všeobecnej solidarity. A takáto Európa bude slúžiť ako zdroj nádeje a integrálneho humanizmu pre svojich ľudí i pre svet. Toto je odkaz Roberta Schumana a otcov – zakladateľov EÚ našej generácii. Zdieľam s nimi tento sen a víziu.

    NIE SME TU TURISTAMI, SME OBČANMI

    Po dvoch dňoch stretnutí je na mieste otázka: Čo bude ďalej? A osobne, čo budete robiť vy, aby ste postupne implementovali ciele, ktoré ste si počas týchto stretnutí stanovili?

    Takéto zhromaždenia a dialógy by sa mali organizovať pravidelne, a to na európskej i národnej úrovni, napríklad raz za dva roky. Túto iniciatívu by mali prevziať národní politickí lídri a lídri cirkví, experti a laici. Európa nie je dôležitá len v Bruseli, Štrasburgu alebo Vatikáne; je dôležitá pre perspektívu našich krajín, regiónov a predovšetkým pre všetkých svojich občanov. EÚ začala ako projekt elít; dnes je viac a viac v rukách ľudí. Preto budúcnosť tohto bezprecedentného projektu by mala byť aj viac prítomná v mysliach a srdciach ľudí. My tu nie sme ako turisti na návšteve Európskej únie, sme jej občanmi so svojimi právami a slobodami, no i povinnosťami a zodpovednosťami. Zmysel integrácie sa realizuje prostredníctvom férovej participácie, teda účasti na jej chode.

    Chvályhodná iniciatíva biskupskej komisie COMECE podporená Svätou stolicou pri príležitosti 60. výročia Rímskych zmlúv nemôže ostať izolovanou a príležitostnou. Dôležitosť miesta, času a obsahu bola potvrdená i prítomnosťou Svätého Otca Františka a vysokého počtu účastníkov z krajín a inštitúcií EÚ. Teraz potrebujeme diskutovať o týchto problémoch aj na národnej úrovni a sústrediť sa na riešenia pre sektory, ako sú životné prostredie, bezpečnosť, migrácia, rozvoj a podobne.

    Európa potrebuje dušu, nemôže byť naďalej len ekonomickou alebo technickou komunitou. Kultúrne korene, základne hodnoty, evanjeliová inšpirácia a zmysel pre bratstvo by mali inšpirovať naše rozhodnutia a skutky pre spoločné dobro. Sú potrebnejšie a prinášajú aj viac ovocia než lamentovanie nad vývojom alebo opakujúce sa polemiky. Deficit jednoty a slabá duchovná dimenzia Európskeho spoločenstva je pozvaním pre všetkých kresťanov a ostatných veriacich, aby prispeli a boli jeho aktívnymi účastníkmi so svojimi talentami, potenciálmi, vedomosťami, skúsenosťami a zodpovednosťou na rôznych úrovniach.

    Otázkou doby nie je viacrýchlostná Únia alebo jej rozmanitá geometria. Problémom je jej orientácia – Quo vadis, Európa? Keď si jasne zadefinujeme orientáciu a budeme ju konsenzuálne zdieľať, potom musia nasledovať rozumné reformy a stratégie, eliminujúce priestor pre dnešnú vlnu frustácie, populizmu a extrémizmu.

    Dozrel čas na zmenu a posun od politiky identít k etike zodpovednosti bez toho, aby sme prestali uznávať dôležitosť akejkoľvek identity, bez spochybňovania rozmanitosti našich kultúr, národov a náboženstiev. Jednota, ale nie uniformita, založená na rovnakej dôstojnosti všetkých ľudí je šľachetnou víziou aj praktickou potrebou. Kresťania a Cirkev nadobudli počas histórie nesmiernu duchovnú inšpiráciu, bohatstvo skúseností a vhodné nástroje na budovanie a šírenie takéhoto zmiereného ľudského spoločenstva.

    Článok dostupný tu: http://www.cestaplus.sk/cestaplus/clanok/2017-11-12-jan-figel-europa-potrebuje-dusu

    A tu: https://europskenoviny.sk/2017/11/12/jan-figel-europa-potrebuje-dusu/

    A tu: https://www.tkkbs.sk/view.php?cisloclanku=20171113019

  • Religion and religious freedom in changing world

    Video Speech for ASEAN Conference in Manila, the Philippines

    Distinguished Manila Conference Participants and Guests,

    First, I want to thank for the invitation. I wished to be with you in Manila but after the change of originally scheduled date I could not come.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Religion is with the humankind since the beginning of history. It connects man with his beliefs, with transcendence, but also relates and unites (latin religare) with others into a faith community.

    84 % of the world population claim religious affiliation; this is an overwhelming majority.

    FoRB is a litmus test of all human rights. It covers freedom of thought, conscience, religion, conviction and other freedoms. As the expansive right, it relates to freedom of assembly, association, expression. FoRB covers also non-believers and right to conversion. It can be implemented individually and collectively as well. Respect of HRs is not possible without respecting FoRB. All dictators, all terrorists are happy, when FoRB is restricted or non-existing. Four most inhumane dictators of 20 Century bloodily oppressed and violated FoRB – Hitler, Stalin, Mao-Ze Dong, Pol Pot. Half of my life I lived under totalitarian, atheistic Communist regime. I can tell you that FoRB is important not for religion to survive but for the good governance, justice and social life in peace and dignity for all!

    Unfortunately, FoRB is under growing pressure, indicators are worsening. Let me share with you a reminder quoting recent statistic by the Pew Research Centre:

    • In 2015 40% of countries had high or very high levels of restrictions, but they represent 74% of the world population!
    • The percentage of countries with high or very high levels of social hostilities increased,
    • Growing and widespread is government harassment of religious groups,
    • Government use of force against religious groups increased as well
    • Non-state militant actors are growing in numbers and horrible consequences[4] : Taliban, ISIS, Al Nusra, Boko Haram…

    The critical situation of religious minorities is in many regions and countries of the world (North Korea, Pakistan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Myanmar,…) There are new worrying trends in Indonesia, India, Philippines, new concerns over Russia, which recently banned activities of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

    The recent Report of the UN rapporteur on FoRB (A. Shaheed) draws our attention on the following:

    • Almost half of countries have laws penalizing blasphemy, apostasy or defamation of religion.

    • In 22 countries, there still is a use of death penalty for apostasy, in at least 13 countries a capital punishment for atheists.

    The scale of FoRB restrictions goes from intolerance through discrimination, persecution up to genocide.

    Main messages:

    1) FoRB situation is critical in many parts of the world, and

    2) Trends are negative

    Moreover: Migration (voluntary and forced) has reached record high numbers

    WORLD IS REALLY CHANGING! If we want to improve the global situation and global trends, we need to embrace credible change: to overcome ignorance and illiteracy, prejudices, divisions and work for peace, justice, sustainable development and human dignity for all and everywhere.

    War crimes, crimes against humanity and even genocides accuse dictators and authoritarian regimes, but in some way also entire international community – from inefficiency, from slow or no action whatsoever.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Evil has strong, influential allies, well placed everywhere. We all know them very well. Tree evil-allies are decisive:

    IGNORANCE – When we do not know and are not interested to know.

    INDIFFERENCE – If we do not care.

    FEAR – When we are scared, afraid to say or to do anything on behalf of voiceless or defenseless people, in favor of truth, justice and humanity.

    Here I see special role of RBO, civil society, state institutions and families.

    First, we should not fail – as we did in the past – to deliver on our promises, commitments, duties, responsibilities, to abandon again the persecuted, accept impunity of criminals. Human rights will not work without responsible international community, mature citizenship and vigilant institutions of law enforcement.

    Therefore, we have to invest into and support civic EDUCATION and ETHICS OF RESPONSIBILITY. These are antidotes of ignorance, indifference and fear.

    Secondly,

    We need to understand that RELIGION IS PART OF SOLUTION, AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM (FoRB) IS A GREAT, and IMPORTANT TOOL FOR POSITIVE CHANGE.

    I am convinced, for example, that without a strong contribution of faith-based actors we cannot fulfill objectives of UN SDGs 2030.

    WHEN I speak about FREEDOM, I always mean RESPONSIBLE, MATURE FREEDOM. Freedom without responsibility will not work or exist. Three points I would like to suggest:

    a) Common good instead of superiority and supremacy

    Win-win policy instead of winner takes all is the approach to be preferred if we want to achieve better, more humane century. Principle of common good leads from Common Ground – Common Interests – Common Victory and Future

    The mentality of superiority (s. of my nation, my country, my religion, my race, my tribe …) tends towards politics of supremacy, in worse case even to ideology of superiority. From an ideology, there is a shortcut to prejudices, unequal treatment, hatred and violence.

    b) From politics of identities to politics of responsibilities

    I am convinced that the amalgamation of terrorism and religion is wrong, and no Holy Scripture or religious tradition should be held accountable for the horrible actions some fanatic and obscure militant groups perpetrate in the name of that religion.

    However, words of political leaders do not hold the same authority as the public statements of faith leaders when they publicly denounce political violence perpetrated in the name of God. (E.g., Pope Francis, Grand Mufti Al Tayyib of Al Azhar, DalaiLama and others on their levels).This is a shared responsibility, a goal we will only achieve working together – religious leaders, political decision-makers, lawmakers, judges, academics, journalists, civil society activists.

    c) Fair civic state preserving peace, security, justice and good governance for all is needed

    As religions are moving, societies changing, we indeed need to learn how to deal with cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. How to build cohesive and respectful societies. We need to learn TO LIVE IN DIVERSITY, not only to exist in diversity.

    Religious literacy is a must for a shared society, a necessary competence for a good education and mature citizenship. Because uniformity and ignorance breeds intolerance. And from intolerance, there is a very short connection to radicalization and violent extremism. This we have to keep in mind especially with our children and young generation. There are many inspiring examples of successful educational and youth initiatives aimed at deradicalization.

    Therefore, I welcome your professional commitment for FoRB promotion in SE Asian countries. I appreciate your international cooperation and spirit of shared responsibility. With many like-minded people, we welcome the Marrakesh and Beirut Declarations as well. We need to translate these positive commitments into daily life of people.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    The international community is determined to fight for freedom of religion. There are new signs coming from the EU, UN, OSCE, and International Parliamentarians Platform for FoRB, Commonwealth Initiative on FoRB, democratic countries, NGOs, advocacy and CSOs. We are convinced that religion is, in itself, a force for good; we know that the wide majority of the religious faithful are peace-loving, respectful of other peoples’ rights and fundamental liberties.

    We, in European Union, strongly believe that it is possible to turn the situation around.

    The World is indeed changing, and change as well brings with it a worrying level of uncertainty, even conflict. However, there is one thing that should not change – our shared commitment to upholding human dignity for all and everywhere and to protect fundamental human rights.

    I thank you all for your work and cooperation on this and I wish you successful conference days.

  • L’inviato UE sulla libertà religiosa: “Il contributo dei cristiani centrale in Europa”

    L’inviato UE sulla libertà religiosa: “Il contributo dei cristiani centrale in Europa”

    L’inviato UE per la libertà religiosa con il Cardinale Reinhard Marx durante il convegno (Re)Thinking Europe

    CITTÀ DEL VATICANO , 06 novembre, 2017 / 9:00 AM (ACI Stampa).

    La necessità di esercitare una libertà responsabile. Il rafforzamento del tema della libertà religiosa, non solo al di fuori dei confini dell’Unione Europea, ma anche al suo interno. L’importante contributo cristiano alla costruzione di una nuova Europa. Jan Figel, inviato speciale dell’Unione Europea per la Promozione della Libertà Religiosa al di fuori dell’UE dipana questi temi in una esclusiva ad ACI Stampa.

    Figel parla al termine della conferenza (Re)Thinking Europe, organizzata dal COMECE con il supporto della Segreteria di Stato vaticana. E non manca di ricordare che la sua posizione è stata annunciata al termine del conferimento del Premio Carlo magno a Papa Francesco, in Vaticano.

    “I cristiani – afferma al termine dell’incontro – dovrebbero contribuire a costruire una Europa libera, unica, riconciliata ed unita attraverso la partecipazione a tutti i livelli della vita pubblica. Abbiamo bisogno di una libertà responsabile, perché senza la responsabilità, la libertà resta immatura, o cessa addirittura di esistere, diventando facile vittima di populismi, estremismi, o al limite patendo l’influsso di varie ideologie”.

    Cosa intende per libertà responsabile?

    La libertà è un grande dono per l’uomo. Ma senza responsabilità, la libertà non è sostenibile Quasi scompare. La libertà ha bisogno dunque di maturità attraverso la cittadinanza attiva. Siamo liberi di scegliere e di decidere, ma solo guardando al bene commune rafforziamo la nostra libertà. La scelta di decisioni contro le libertà e i diritti fondamentali di altri indebolisce o persino elimina la libertà globale della società.

    Quindi come si struttura la libertà responsabile?

    La libertà responsabile riconosce e realizza doveri e obllighi con i diritti. Le attuali tendenze di una mentalità unilaterale, basata solo sui diritti, minacciano ed erodono la libertà di tutta la società. I miei diritti, invece, sono possibili e raggiungibili solo se rispetto i miei obblighi nei confronti degli altri e della comunità in cui vivo. Questa attitudine bilanciata rappresenta l’azione matura, e costruisce la libertà responsabile.

    Lei è inviato speciale per la libertà religiosa. Cosa può fare l’Europa per sostenere la libertà religiosa nel mondo?

    L’Europa conosce molto bene, attraverso le lezioni del 20esimo secolo,. Perciò, l’Europa dovrebbe abbracciare il valore essenziale della Libertà di Religione e di Credo in maniera più attiva sia fuori che all’interno dell’Europa, perché questa rappresenta la libertà di pensiero, di coscienza, di religion e convinzione, così cara e importante per la vita di ciascuno e la dignità personale.

    Perché la libertà religiosa è così importante?

    Perché la libertà religiosa è il banco di prova per tutti i diritti umani, perché se questo diritto viene a mancare, gli altri diritti politici e civili sono ristretti allo stesso modo. Potrei, da slovacco, parlare molto di questo, sulla base delle esperienze nella ex Cecoslovacchia e nelle nazioni del blocco soveitico.

    Lei è inviato per la promozione della libertà religiosa al di fuori dell’Europa. Ma i rapport sulla libertà religiosa raccontano di una libertà religiosa sempre più a rischio anche nel cuore dell’Europa. Cosa dovrebbe fare l’Europa oggi?

    L’Europa dovrebbe avere più consapevolezza del tema della libertà religiosa e promuovere l’agenda della libertà religiosa in un modo ancora più coerente. Eppure, oggi vediamo una situazione globale molto negativa, e allo stesso tempo ci sono tendenze di peggioramento in molte nazioni e regioni del mondo. In realtà, questo significa l’invito a fermare le persecuzioni, la discriminazione e i conflitti violenti, e lavorare per creare più giustizia e una trattamento chiaro delle differenti fedi minoritarie e comunità. Questa è sia nostra responsabilità e commune interesse. Le politiche interne ed esterne dell’Unione Europea sono in realtà due parti della stessa agenda comunitaria.

    In che modo si integrano?

    Più attenzione e chiaro impegno a favour della libertà di pensiero e religion a livello internazionale possono aiutare a rinnovare l’impegno europeo per la libertà religiosa nei suoi confine. Questa è una delle ragioni per cui il mio mandato da Inviato Speciale è orientate al di fuori dell’Unione Europea, ma allo stesso tempo è connesso con l’articolo 17 del Trattato di Lisbona, che parla del dialogo tra UE e religioni.

    In che modo l’Europa dovrebbe essere rivista? Quali sono le impressioni che hai alla fine di questo incontro?

    L’incontro è stato molto opportune e utile, perché molte persone sollevano preoccupazioni giustificate riguardo il futuro dell’integrazione europea. La fiducia nel progetto dell’Unione Europea è stato indebolito dalla Brexit, dalla crescent instabilità nel continente e nel nostro vicinato, passando attraverso un decennio di crisi dalle molte faccio – monetaria, finanziaria, economica, migratoria, politica.

    Quale è il ruolo dei cristiani?

    I cristiani sono stati molto attivi nel processo dell’integrazione europea. Il loro contributo politico è fuori discussione. L’operato di leaers come Schuman, Adenauer, De Gasperi è stato decisive. Oggi i cristiani sono chiamati a non rimanere in disparate e lamentare la situazione, ma, all’opposto, devono riportare al centro ciò che manca ed è necessario per il rinnovamento europeo: valori fondamentali, impegno personale e spirito di unità. Sono contribute che non possono essere generate dal mercato, dall’euro o dalla geografia. Ci sono furttti della libertà responsabile, il senso di solidarietà e di buona volontà, che porta ad una ragionevole, vera soluzione dei problemi.

    Dialogo, inclusione, solidarietà, sviluppo e pace sono i cinque pilastri su cui costruire l’Europa, secondo quello che vi ha detto Papa Francesco.Lei è d’accordo?

    Sebbene venga dall’America Latina, il Papa comprende perfettamente l’importanza del futuro europeo non solo per questo continente, ma per lo sviluppo globale. I pilastri dell’Europa su cui vorrei soffermarmi sono quelli di dignità, giustizia, sussidiarietà, solidarietà e dialogo.

    È questa la sua lista di superiorità?

    Sì. Nel mio corrente incarico, ma anche in precedenza come Commissario Europeo per l’Educazione e la Cultura, vedo molto da vicino quanto questi principi e pilastri stiano sempre più diventando importanti.

    In quale ordine?

    La dignità umana è il primo e principale valore per i popoli ovunque, dopo un secolo di genocidi che è cominciato in Armenia ed è culminate con le atrocità di massa dell’ISIS di questi anni. La pace è il frutto della giustizia, e perciò c’è bisogno di lavorare meglio e di più per la giustizia, specialmente nelle istituzioni delle Nazioni Unite. Quindi, la sussidiarietà, che è il nome alternative della libertà e di una politica pubblica ben organizzata a livello internazionale. Questo è un principio chiave della Dottrina Sociale della Chiesa. L’Europa dovrebbe apprendere meglio questo principio, perché la sussidiarietà sarà importante per il rinnovo della fiducia mutual e istituzionale.

    Quindi, la solidarietà…

    Sì, perché la solidarietà rappresenta il cemento nelle mura della nostra casa europea. Senza solidarietà, la casa cadrà. Ragionevolmente, la solidarietà efficace è una conseguenza della sussidiarietà. La solidarietà con i vulnerabili e i marginalizzati è un investimento contro la poverà, le divisioni e l’estremismo che può solo dare frutti. Questi principi rappresentano le basi del bene commune, tem ache spesso manca nelle politiche nazionali e internazionali di oggi. Infine, il dialogo, che rappresenta la cultura di aperture, di comprensione degli altri, e di compassone per le persone del mondo.

    Sono questi dunque i principi di cui c’è bisogno per l’Europa?

    Sì, se l’Europa vuole essere davvero depositaria del suo destino, leader dell’umanità, protettore di democrazia ed esempio di solidarietà universal. E questa Europa servirà come una fonte di speranza e di umanesimo integrale sia per la gente che per il mondo. Questo è il messaggio di Robert Schuman e dei Padri Fondatori dell’Europa alla nostra generazione. E io condivido questo sogno e visione.

    Quindi, ora quale è l’obiettivo?

    Il problema non è l’Unione a più velocità, o la geometria variabile. Il problema è il modo in cui si orienta – Quo vadis, Europa? Questa è la domanda! Quando l’orientamento è chiaramente disposto e condiviso consensualmente, allora riforme ragionevoli e politiche devono seguire, eliminando lo spazio per questa onda di frustrazione, populismo ed estremismo. È il tempo di passare da una politica di identità all’etica di responsabilità, senza per questo abbandonare l’importanza di ciascuna identità e senza per questo metere in discussione la diversità delle nostre culture, nazioni e religioni. L’unità, non l’uniformità, basata sull’eguale dignità di ogni popolo è sia una vision nobile che un bisogno pratico. I cristiani e la Chiesa hanno storicamente accumulato una tremenda ispirazione spirituale, un tesoro di esperienza e bene che sono strumenti per costruire e promuovere ulteriormente una comunità umana riconciliata.

    Articolo: http://www.acistampa.com/story/linviato-ue-sulla-liberta-religiosa-il-contributo-dei-cristiani-centrale-in-europa-7259