EU Bishop: Elections show that citizens are concerned about the Ukraine war

Crociata, who was elected president of COMECE for a five-year term in 2023, lamented the fact that only 51 percent of the 370 million eligible voters cast their votes for the EU Parliament and the EU Commission in the elections held on 7-8 June.

“It is certainly a questioning, thought-provoking element that invites reflection,” he said.

The bishop also spoke about the importance of putting pressure on the new EU Commission and Parliament to take more diplomatic steps towards peace between Ukraine and Russia and at the same time to participate as intensively as possible in the dialogue.

“Any dialogue that could take place with Ukraine, with Russia, with countries close to Russia, with citizens who frequently visit our countries and who come from Russia should not be considered unimportant,” he said.

“Don’t think that these are side initiatives,” Crociata continued. “Although they may not be directly effective or directly aimed at diplomatic action, they are not unimportant because I would say that creating a climate … within these countries can play a role alongside the institutional initiatives.”

“I think public opinion, common sensibility, communication, everything (can have an impact) … We have to do our part because everything can have an influence that will sooner or later lead to the big decisions that can really turn the tide and end the war,” he said.