On Monday 5 May 2008, the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and President of the European Council, Janez Janša, will, together with the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering, attend a meeting with religious leaders. The aim of the meeting is to maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue between the European Union and religious communities. The discussion will focus primarily on an exchange of views regarding the possibilities offered by intercultural dialogue in facing current challenges such as climate change and the issue of reconciliation. These topics are in line with the priorities to which Slovenia, as the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, is paying special attention.

 

The informal meetings between the European Union and the religious communities have been taking place since 2005. In 2007, during the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this meeting was for the first time jointly prepared by the Presidents of the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission.

It is expected that the meeting will be attended by 21 religious leaders representing Christian churches as well as Jewish and Islamic communities in Europe.

 

Programme of the Prime Minister:

 

Monday, 5 May 2008

9:30	Arrival of Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and President of the European Council, Janez Janša, at the European Parliament, where he will be greeted by the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso   Venue: European Commission, Berlaymont Building (VIP entrance), Brussels   Photo opportunity!
9:45	Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and President of the European Council, Janez Janša, President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering, receive and welcome the heads of the other delegations   Venue: European Commission, Berlaymont Building (VIP entrance), Brussels   Photo opportunity!
10:00	Opening of the meeting:   - welcome address by the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso - opening address by the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering - opening address by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and President of the European Council, Janez Janša   to be followed by a discussion   Venue: European Commission, Berlaymont Building (VIP entrance), Brussels
12:30	‘Family photo’ and press conference   Venue: European Commission, Berlaymont Building (VIP entrance), Brussels