Dialogue Platform

How can the next EU long-term budget better support democracy? Today, we are participating in the Invest in What Matters event at the European Parliament. On the eve of crucial negotiations on the next EU long-term budget, this event brings together civil society organisations and Members of the European Parliament to exchange views, strengthen cooperation, and push for a budget that truly supports and protects democracy.

As part of the Virtuous project , we had the pleasure of interviewing @MPriv_o, theologian and Islamologist, drawing on his extensive experience in interfaith dialogue and community engagement. Together, we explored the role of places of worship today, what active participation in a religious community means on a personal level, how safety is perceived within these spaces, and how security can be strengthened without compromising openness and hospitality. To know more about the Virtuous project, visit: virtuousproject.eu

The Intercultural Iftar Dinner 2026 at the European Parliament was a moment of connection, dialogue, and reflection. The evening brought together policymakers, civil society leaders, faith representatives, and academics to reflect on: “Human Rights in Action: Practising Our Shared Values for a Peaceful Tomorrow.” 🎥 Watch the highlights and the aftermovie of the event here: youtube.com/watch?v=pi1983… @Fedactio @OthersInfo @RfPEurope @StiftungDuB @BddiOrg @PlatformINS @Istitutotevere @ArcoForum

📌 The Intercultural Dialogue Platform Annual Activity Report 2025 is out! Explore our work over the past year, from Projects Implemented and Developed to Events Organised, Publications, and Participation in External Events. Read the full report: usercontent.one/wp/dialoguepla…

We are pleased to share the highlights of the Intercultural Iftar Dinner 2026 at the European Parliament. Bringing together policymakers, civil society leaders, faith representatives and academics, the evening reflected on “Human Rights in Action: Practising Our Shared Values for a Peaceful Tomorrow.” Hosted by @kvanbrempt, with contributions from @k_langensiepen and @LeolucaOrlando1 . In collaboration with @Fedactio, @OthersInfo, @RfPEurope, @StiftungDuB, @BddiOrg, @PlatformINS, @Istitutotevere , @ArcoForum and Chapel for Europe. You can read more about the event: dialogueplatform.eu/interculturali… Watch the highlights: youtu.be/pi1983-i2bw #InterculturalDialogue #HumanRights #Solidarity #Ramadan #UnitedinDiversity

During the Intercultural Iftar Dinner, we had the opportunity to interview MEP Cecilia Strada, who shared a reflection on unity in today’s world. She highlighted that “in a world where there are too many powers that want to divide us and use division to maintain their power at the expense of our rights, we must remain united.” She also shared a moment from the evening: ”A man sitting at my table told me, ‘You know, as we say in Afghanistan, my home is where my family is.’ It’s something I say as well: my home is where my friends are. And tonight, here, it felt a little bit like being at home.” 📷 youtube.com/watch?v=DgNmkf…

🗞️ The #CSOBulletin is out! 📌 Comments on #CivSocWeek, youth engagement & simplification agenda 📌 @EESC_President @CoR_President @ECOLISE 📌 Insider briefing on #CBAM 📌 #EUCivilSociety Initiative: Youth Work for All 📌 Our 2025-2028 priorities Read 👉link.europa.eu/8N6v9D

RfP Europe was honoured to partner in the Intercultural Iftar Dinner at the European Parliament, bringing together MEPs, faith leaders, academics and civil society to promote human rights, dialogue and peaceful coexistence across Europe. 🌙 🔗 rfpeurope.org/rfp-europe-par…

“The European Parliament should symbolise something truly powerful,” she said. “But symbolism alone is not enough.” According to @kvanbrempt, Europe’s credibility on the global stage depends on its commitment to upholding international law and fundamental rights without compromise. “People gather during the iftar fast not simply to pause, but to reconnect,” she added, highlighting the deeper significance of Ramadan as a time for reflection, empathy and solidarity.

📌The Intercultural Iftar Dinner 2026 has just started at the European Parliament in Brussels. Under this year’s theme, “Human Rights in Action – Practising our Shared Values for a Peaceful Tomorrow,” participants are gathering to reflect on how values such as dignity, solidarity, and justice are practiced in our everyday lives. We are honored to have MEP Kathleen Van Brempt as our first keynote speaker and host. As a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion, she played a key role in bringing this evening to life. @Fedactio @OthersInfo @ArcoForum @PlatformINS #InterculturalIftar #HumanRightsInAction #ResilienceInSolidarity #ArtOfLivingTogether

We are participating in Day 2 of #CivSocWeek – #ECIDay! Today’s discussions focus on European Citizens’ Initiatives, key instruments of participatory democracy at the EU level. Through workshops and group discussions, participants are exploring how citizen engagement strengthens Europe’s shared democratic future. Civil Society Week 2026 brings together grassroots activists, youth representatives, policymakers, journalists, and civil society organisations to advance civic engagement, #equality, and #inclusion.

Today we attended the Social Media Academy - Session 2: Collaborating with Content Creators to communicate EU policies and values, organised by the EP Multipliers Outreach Team 🇪🇺 The session highlighted how collaboration with content creators can strengthen the communication of European policies and values, particularly towards younger audiences. We heard valuable insights from content creator Lambertus Robben, who shared practical experiences on making EU topics accessible and engaging online. As highlighted by Philipp Schulmeister (Directorate for Outreach, DG COMM) 'social media is no longer an additional communication channel, for many young people, it is their first source of information. Reaching citizens where they are means placing social media at the core of our communication efforts'. #SocialMediaAcademy

In his article “Why I Accept Every Invitation to an Iftar,” @IdesNicaise, Professor of Social Policy at KU Leuven, reflects on Ramadan and Lent as times of encounter. Drawing on his participation on February 5–6 in New Delhi at the Hizmet Conference, he highlights the role of hospitality, dialogue, and shared meals in building connections across communities. For Nicaise, Iftar dinners are far more than shared meals; they are moments of encounter and connection. As he writes, they represent “a precious opportunity to get to know families with a migrant background more closely.” Read the full article here: demorgen.be/meningen/waaro…

The first-ever International Hizmet Conference in India was successfully held at @JindalGlobalUNI on 5-6 February 2026. The topic of the conference was “The Role of Social Movements in Cultivating Trust and Collaboration in Diverse Societies”. #HizmetInIndia

Last week, we were in Rome to participate in an important training, implemented within the Virtuous project , with religious leaders, members of religious communities and security experts. This exercise enhanced the awareness and preparedness in facing security threats and the development of operational planning skills. #VIRTUOUSProject #InterfaithDialogue #CommunitySecurity #EducationForPeace