The following are useful resources to read as preparation for the forum

1. From President Juncker: White Paper on the future of Europe

This White Paper is the European Commission’s contribution to a new chapter of the European project. We want to launch a process in which Europe determines its own path. We want to map out the challenges and opportunities ahead of us and present how we can collectively choose to respond. As we decide which way to go, we should remember that Europe has always been at its best when we are united, bold and confident that we can shape our future together. The European Union has changed our lives for the better. We must ensure it keeps doing so for all of those that will follow us. Jean-Claude Juncker,  1 March 2017

2. What future for Europe- Conference of European Churches

This open letter to churches in Europe on the situation in the continent outlines the CEC’s vision of Europe with regard to the EU and shares its concerns about the future of this historical European project in the present circumstances. It reaffirms its understanding of the EU as a community of values pursuing human dignity, peace, reconciliation, justice, the rule of law, democracy, the respect for human rights, solidarity and sustainability. It encourages CEC Member Churches and all Christians in Europe to step up efforts in making such Christian virtues as respect for others, solidarity, diaconia and building up a community more visible in public life; and calls churches in Europe to an intensive discussion on the future of our continent, the role of the European Union and our vision of shared values.

3. Brexit in a Fractured Europe – Cambridge Papers

This paper first sets out the mandate and principles for relational peace-building and then applies them in the context of the three spheres of the UK exit debate (within the UK, between the UK & the EU27, among the EU 27). There is an urgent need for Christians to seek the peace and prosperity of the whole continent of Europe at an uncertain time in its history. This paper is intended to equip Christians for this task of subsuming self-interest whatever their views on European integration.

4. After Brexit, what can revitalise the EU? – Margriet Krijtenburg

We know some of the issues that divide this family of nations – immigration looms large — but what brought them together in the first place? And, given today’s rumblings of discontent, are the founding principles of the European Union still valid? Margriet Krijtenburg, a scholar of European unification at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, insists that they are, and that they are capable of prospering Europe and the world beyond it.

5. Reflections of the Church in Malta

…on Malta’s presidency of the council of the EU. The Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union takes place in very challenging times for the Union. Unfolding events could possibly also change the Presidency’s planned tempo and dynamics. Malta should take the opportunity to give a strong impetus to revitalizing faith in the European Project. The Catholic Church and European Christian Churches (CEC) urge the EU to return to the values of the EU founding fathers by solving common problems together building on their shared history, and to consider the European project as more than just a common market.