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It is beyond doubt that political relations in the European Union are very dynamic. The rejection of the Constitutional Treaty was an important sign in the integration process of political Europe. Other issues are also open for discussion: for example challenges of further EU enlargement and the future of transatlantic relations. The Institute is engaged in a number of political problems, which are present in European debate. These are: EU external policy, its position and role in international relations, theory and practice of political integration in Europe, political relations between the Union and its member states, EU institutional reform and others.
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Statement of the European Institute "Pro Futuro Europae", 26 September 2006
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Pope Benedict's famous lecture at Regensburg University during the pilgrimage to His homeland this month has provoked much controversies and a violent response mainly in the Muslim part of the world All of this because of a quotation from a 14th century passage. The European Institute Pro Futuro Europae believes there has been a horrible misinterpretation of this speech. We are of the opinion that a considerable level of bad will was needed to accuse Benedict XVI of attacking the Islamic faith.
At the same time this case has flashed yet another problem which is the principle of freedom of speech and expression - one of the cardinal standards upon which Europe and the European Union is founded. The Pro Futuro Institute has no doubt that everybody, including the Pope, is allowed to quote from medieval texts. This freedom cannot be compromised. The European Institute Pro Futuro Europae expresses its solidarity with the Pope Benedict XVI and all people of good will, who value fundamental principles of the European Union and the European heritage of open debate and dialogue.
The European Institute Pro Futuro Europae has always been and remains open for intercultural and inter-religious dialogue based on truth, openness and freedom.
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