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Brussels Declaration
We, the people of Europe, hereby affirm our common values. They are based not on a single culture or tradition but are founded in all of the cultures that make up modern Europe.
- We affirm the
worth, dignity
and autonomy of every individual, and the right of everyone to
the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights
of others. We support democracy
and human
rights and aim at the fullest possible development
of every human being.
- We recognise
our duty
of care to all of humanity including future
generations, and our dependence on and responsibility for the natural
world.
- We affirm the
equality
of men and women. All persons regardless of race, origin,
religion or belief, language, gender, sexual orientation or ability
must have equal
treatment before the law.
- We affirm the
right of everyone to adopt and follow a religion
or belief of their choosing. But the beliefs of any group may
not be used to limit the rights of others.
- We hold that
the state
must remain neutral in matters of religion and belief, favouring
none and discriminating against none.
- We hold that
personal liberty must be combined with social
responsibility. We seek to create a fair society based on reason
and compassion, in which every citizen is enabled to play their full
part.
- We uphold
both tolerance
and freedom
of expression
- We affirm the
right of everyone to open
and comprehensive education.
- We reject
intimidation, violence
and incitement to violence in the furtherance of disputes, and
hold that conflicts must be resolved through negotiation and by legal
means.
- We uphold freedom
of inquiry in every sphere of human life, and the application of
science in the service of human welfare. We seek to use science
creatively, not destructively.
- We uphold artistic
freedom, value creativity and imagination, and recognise the
transforming power of art. We affirm the importance of literature,
music, and the visual and performing arts for personal development and
fulfilment.
Made this 25th day of March 2007, being the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and the foundation of the European Union.
The Declaration was formally launched in Brussels on 27th February, ahead of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Treaty of Rome on March 25th.
The Brussels Declaration is also available in the following languages:
Copyright © 2007 Committee for A Vision for Europe
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