ZAGREB ZAGREB, April 4 (Hina) - Dr. Michael Weninger, an advisor of the European Commission President Romano Prodi, who was paying a visit to Zagreb at the invitation of the Croatian Bishops Conference' chairman, Zagreb Archbishop
Josip Bozanic, held on Thursday evening a lecture in the Croatian capital on the European Union's dialogue with churches and religions.
ZAGREB, April 4 (Hina) - Dr. Michael Weninger, an advisor of the
European Commission President Romano Prodi, who was paying a visit
to Zagreb at the invitation of the Croatian Bishops Conference'
chairman, Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic, held on Thursday
evening a lecture in the Croatian capital on the European Union's
dialogue with churches and religions. #L#
Dr. Weninger said that cultural, religious and spiritual
characteristics of the European Union had been formed under
influence of the legacy from the ancient Jerusalem, Athens and
Rome.
This diplomat, born in Austria, also spoke about the Christian
roots of the Continent, adding that the present-day Europe could
hardly be imagined without the rich Christian heritage.
Commenting on the creation of a European identity, dr. Weninger
said it was important to set up institutions that would take care of
all political, economic, cultural and national diversities.
In his opinion, the adoption of a European constitution will play an
important role in this aspect. According to him, the constitution,
the drafting of which began in February last year, may be passed at
an EU summit in Salonika, set for this June.
Asked whether the Catholic Church in Croatia was engaged to a
sufficient extent in the country's bids to join in the European
integration processes, he answered that Croatia had always been a
part of Europe and that thanks to its progressive stands, the local
Church supported the country's entry into the EU.
(hina) ms