Bratislava, Slovakia – How can we end war in Europe? To address this frequently asked question, UPF-Slovakia hosted an event in the Bratislava Peace Embassy on October 21, 2024. The renowned guest speaker was Dr. Ján Figeľ, former EU commissioner and the first EU special envoy for religious freedom.
The anthem of the European Union, the famous Ode to Joy from Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, was played as a capacity audience waited eagerly to hear this very experienced speaker.
Dr. Figeľ began by repeating Pope Francis' appeal to the United Nations, "brotherhood is the route to peace." He outlined the importance of nurturing this relationship, particularly in light of the challenges faced in Ukraine and elsewhere.
“We need to show that we are brothers in faith and in humanity,” said Dr. Figeľ, stressing the great need for recommitment to the values and vision of lasting peace based on European brotherhood, as championed by the great French politician Robert Schuman. His talk was not quite as expected; being used to media reports and commentaries which offer no substantial solutions, many of the listeners were moved that he had given thought to conflict causes and solutions.
Dr. Figeľ, a renowned Christian Democrat politician and very active in many fields, suggested bringing together the economic interests of the United States and Russia by establishing a common market in energy, minerals and information technology. “If this cooperation opens to other countries, a Northern Commonwealth could emerge from Alaska to Kamchatka, through Europe and Central Asia. The positive impact of such gradual and sensible cooperation would be not only new stability and prosperity, but also global development." He expressed his conviction that peace in Europe is a precondition for stability and prosperity.
Since spring 2024, Dr. Figeľ has chaired an initiative encouraging dialogue and cooperation between the major nuclear powers, the United States, the Russian Federation, and the European Union. Talks take place in the Vatican, which maintains a neutral and impartial position.
Related commentary by Dr. Ján Figeľ in The Washington Times may be found here:
By Barbara Grabner, UPF-Slovakia October 21, 2024
