Representatives of different Churches from all over Europe who gathered in Wavre (Brussels) for a meeting of the Church and Society Commission of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) on 1 May 2004 expressed their joy and gratitude to God for the achievement of the enlargement of the EU by 10 new countries.

For many years European integration has been an important part of the agenda of the Churches across the continent. Since reconciliation is at the heart of the Gospel, the overcoming of geographical and psychological borders between peoples and nations is central to Christian responsibility. The history of Christianity and developments in Europe are deeply linked, and Christianity has contributed significantly to the shape of contemporary Europe.

The European Union had its beginning in a Europe damaged by the Second World War. It was established and developed on the foundation of specific values, the most important of which gave rise to commitments to peacemaking, sharing of resources, solidarity and freedom. Economic co-operation has been identified as one of the key means of fulfilling these commitments.

This is the context in which the present enlargement of the EU must be seen. For some of the new Member States it is a symbolic moment which marks the end of enforced political divisions in Europe. The new situation also creates a new partnership in which Member States and their peoples can better learn from and enrich one another.

Thus the Union's enlargement is accompanied by joy and hope in many European countries. However, it is also accompanied by concerns related to the social consequences of the process. The challenge of combining the competitive market and social justice remains ever before us. In seeking to achieve this balance the CEC through its Church and Society Commission calls for the deepening of commitment to the values on which the Union is built, such as human dignity, justice, solidarity, equality and respect for human rights. Indeed, in an open letter to its member churches in December 2003, the CEC Central Committee expressed the hope that European integration should be 'a process aimed at improving the life of individuals and communities.'

The creation of the enlarged Union, though a significant moment in the history of modern Europe, must be seen as part of an ongoing process. The EU's concerns and responsibilities must go beyond its own political framework to build good relations with countries which are outside its borders. The overall aim must be the improvement of the life of all people in the whole continent and beyond.

On this joyful occasion the Churches of Europe re-affirm their commitment to play their full part in working for the future development of Europe.

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