A panel discussion at the EU Parliament analyses the challenges of religious freedom in Europe. The European Prayer Breakfast was held before with around 450 guests.

Christians who trust in the lordship of Jesus Christ do not have a strong political influence. But what we do have, and probably underestimate, is a hope for the future of Europe.

Nationalism’s seductive power still today, lies in its ability to offer a primal narrative of unity and identity as well as an operative sense place.

The hard right and nationalists will not be indispensable in the new European Parliament but hey shake the national scenario in countries like France and Germany.

How can or should churches respond to the upsurge of nationalism in general, and in particular the way in which it plays a key-role in populist movements?

The Evangelical Alliances in Sweden, Austria, Germany and Spain offer resources to give reasons to vote for the European Parliament, on 6-9 June.

So much has changed since the last European Parliament election in 2019, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the influence of nationalism. If anything, it is a bigger issue in 2024 than it was in 2019 or back in 2010. 

Christians may vote for different political parties but there is great significance in praying together in humility and unity for our nations and our continent. Here are some suggestions.

As we go to the voting booths this week to decide who will represent us in the European Parliament, we need to vote for candidates who understand both the calling and responsibility of Christians to be light, salt and leaven in society.

No matter what some candidates might tell you, there are no easy fixes to complicated issues. We trust that this list of  questions will help you in your preparations for the European elections.

We live in a fallen world. All of us – our politicians, our leaders, ourselves – are tainted by sinful tendencies. Which is why we need institutions to keep power in check.

Christians & European elections (4). The representative in Brussels of the European Evangelical Alliance says voters need to understand that “politics won’t be able to solve all problems overnight”.

The workings of the EU institutions can seem distant, foreign and boring. Yet so much happens there that shapes our European way of life, whether we realise it or not.

Fear of invasion and war. Fear of losing one’s cultural identity and community. Fear of climate disaster. Fear of demonization because of who I am or what I believe and say. Where to go for hope?

Christians & European Elections (3). The Moldovan Valeriu Ghiletchi leads a movement of Christian politicians in Europe. He calls on citizens to defend the rights enjoyed on the continent.

MEPs define forced marriage, illegal adoption and surrogacy as forms of exploitation.

Christians & European Elections (2). Evangelical voices in six countries agree on seeking more collaboration and foresight to maintain peace. Most rule out pacifist approaches.

Be aware of the role of artificial intelligence in elections, especially in your social media timeline. Truth and trust should go hand in hand.

Arie de Pater of the European Evangelical Alliance in Brussels: “The fact that a majority in the Parliament calls for abortion as a human right is no doubt discomforting to many if not all Evangelicals across Europe”.

Boosted by the decision in France, a majority voted “yes” to include abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. But opposition is expected from countries such as Malta, Poland and Hungary.

Christians & European elections. In the Netherlands and Romania, believers express disappointment with the main ideologies in Brussels. In France and Italy, the EU is perceived as distant.

The EEA says it will not tell Christian in Europe “how to vote” but aim to offer a resource to “help you to elect the next Parliament responsibly”.

Both the European Commission and the Parliament are addressing the problem of hate crimes. But without a clear definition of what “hate” is, we will not solve the problem, writes Arie de Pater of the European Evangelical Alliance in Brussels.

The European Parliament elections are a strategic opportunity to launch new political parties. In countries like Spain, some dream of having a first-ever evangelical representative in Brussels.

While the political actors involved welcome the agreement, evangelical organisations take a critical look at the details of the pact.