VIctor Hugo’s perspective helps us realise we cannot take the privilege of voting in the European elections for granted. This weekend saw the highest turnout in the EP elections.

Highest turnout in 20 years. Despite victories in France and Italy, nationalist populists will only be the fifth force in Brussels. Liberal Democrats and Greens are seen as winners of the night.

Let’s vote for those who value a Europe of partnership, respect, compassion, peace, equality and freedom.

Most countries vote on Sunday, but Britons, Dutch, Czech, Irish and Latvians did so earlier. Evangelicals called to “vote prayerfully and responsibly”.

Let's pray for the next 5 years of the European Union to be a period where wise and just decisions are made to face the economic, technological, environmental, social and security challenges.

What is the attitude of the parties / candidates towards freedom of religion for all, including in public? How will they make sure that people of all faiths and none can live together as good neighbours?

The 2019 European Freedom Network conference will be held in Italy. “God has used many instrumental Christians over time to address the issue of slavery”, says Leanne Rhodes.

A well-functioning Parliament is an important guarantor of a well-functioning European Union that knows its role and place.

Since no political party has a monopoly on truth and wisdom, Christians will vote in different ways. But, there is still huge value in praying and discussing together, asking for the Lord’s blessing and mercy.

The electoral campaign starts in 27 countries. “This is our opportunity to influence, through our prayers, questions and vote. Let’s not miss this chance”, says the European Evangelical Alliance.

“I encourage companies, businesses, to promote religious freedom and diversity at the workplace”, says the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief.

The Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief shortlisted 30 countries in the world where basic rights are violated. “We must do whatever is in our power to cherish, defend and promote this freedom”.

Witnesses said the gunman yelled “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest, in Arabic). The suspect was on the “Fiche S” list of potential security threats.

“Dozens of letters arrive in support to this cause, millions support us”, says the Bulgarian Evangelical Alliance. Prayer vigils planned for the next days.

The European Christian Political Movement adds pressure to the Bulgarian government. Christians across Bulgaria have been praying and protesting for the last four weeks.

Bulgarian lawmakers concede some restrictions in a new Religion Denominations Act after international pressure and intensive protests. A new constraint however threatens the legal existence of many denominations.

The Spanish Evangelical Alliance denounces “the erroneous imposition of political authority in the religious life” of Bulgarians, in a letter to Members of the European Parliament.

The President of the European Parliament invites the family of the Christian woman to Brussels. Antonio Tajani: “Pakistani government must uphold Human Rights commitments”.

The European Parliament voted to ban replaceable products such as plates, straws and cotton buds, by 2021.

During a plenary session, the President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani called for her immediate release.

Abortion rates for prenatal diagnoses of Down syndrome, the most common chromosomal abnormality, are high: nearly 100 per cent in Iceland, 98 per cent in Denmark, and 90 per cent in the United Kingdom.

Hungarian and Italian leaders meet in Milan with the 2019 EU Parliament elections in mind. “There are two sides at the moment in Europe”, Hungarian President Orbán said.

Europe needs to ensure a true diversity of opinions within the European Parliament.

The Special Committee on Terrorism proposes to “ban and remove all religious literature within their territory that incites to violent and terrorist acts”,

Škripek is a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and a convinced Christian. To him, praying for a seemingly hopeless situation as there is in Syria is a logical thing to do.