Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon, provides for the first time, a legal basis for an open, transparent and regular dialogue between the EU institutions and churches, religious associations, and philosophical and non-confessional organisations. It states:

"The Union respects and does not prejudice the status under national law of churches and religious associations or communities in the Member States. The Union equally respects the status under national law of philosophical and non-confessional organisations. Recognising their identity and their specific contribution, the Union shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with these churches and organisations."

After being elected President in January 2017, Antonio Tajani assigned First Vice-President Mairead McGuinness responsibility for implementing Article 17 TFEU dialogue. The Vice-President is assisted in this task by the secretariat of the Bureau and other relevant services of Parliament. Parliament hosts several high-level conferences each year, open to all dialogue partners, on topical and relevant themes connected with ongoing parliamentary work and debate.

For more background information on the Article 17 dialogue:

www.europarl.europa.eu/pdf/divers/EPRS_en_final2.pdf

or visit or website:

www.europarl.europa.eu/atyourservice/en/20160919PVL00112/...