If anyone wonders what role Christianity plays in European politics and the lives of decision makers, they should certainly attend this annual event called the European Prayer Breakfast (EPB).

This year marked the 28th time that politicians and leaders of organisations across Europe gathered on December 2 and 3 in Brussels (Belgium) for fellowship, prayer, and networking.

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In times when religion is marginalised or instrumentalised and believers are labelled as ‘radicals’, it is crucially important to navigate wisely through the labyrinth of European politics. Therefore, it was fitting that the theme of this year’s gathering was wisdom, based on the verse from James 3:17: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

Although the breakfast is the central event, the EPB consists of a series of gatherings. It began with a welcome dinner reception on December 2 at the beautiful Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, providing an opportunity for participants to connect in an informal setting.

The following morning, the prayer breakfast itself took place at the European Parliament, where approximately 550 participants gathered to meet, pray, and worship together. The programme featured welcoming remarks from Members of the European Parliament Davor Ivor Stier (Croatia) and Costas Mavrides (Cyprus).

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, was an honorary guest of the event.

The breakfast included an opening prayer led by H.S.H. Prince Charles-Adrien de Merode, worship music by Simon Pedersen and Arvid Asmussen from Denmark (the chairing country of the EU), and scripture readings by MEPs from Croatia, Estonia, Italy, Slovenia, and Romania.

Distinguished speakers included H.S.H. Prince Nikolaus von Liechtenstein and Sari Miriam Essayah, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland. The breakfast was followed by panel discussions on Human Dignity and concluded with a closing lunch.

Closing prayers were offered by religious leaders representing Catholic, Orthodox, and Pentecostal traditions, demonstrating the event’s commitment to unity across denominational lines.

There were a number of side events offered alongside the main programme, including a ladies’ afternoon gathering, Business Leaders’ lunch, Cornerstone Dinner for young professionals, and an excursion to Schloss Merode and its Christmas market.

The vision behind the Prayer Breakfast in Europe

The European Prayer Breakfast was established in 1998, drawing inspiration from the founding fathers of Europe—Konrad Adenauer, Robert Schuman, and Alcide de Gasperi—who met at a monastery on the Rhine for meditation and prayer before negotiating the Treaty of Rome.

Hosted annually by Members of the European Parliament with participants from other European institutions, the EPB is built on the foundational principles Jesus taught: to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself.

The gathering is intentionally relationship-driven rather than agenda-driven, creating a space where friendships can flourish across political, philosophical, and religious differences. The EPB is one of approximately 130 similar prayer breakfast gatherings held in nations around the world, where leaders meet to encourage committed relationships focused on shared values and mutual support.

In an increasingly polarised world, the European Prayer Breakfast offers a space for genuine connection beyond political divides. As Jacques Delors, former President of the European Commission, emphasised in the 1990s, Europe needs more than common rules and economic frameworks—it needs a soul, spirituality, and meaning.

Networking, shared values, dialogue with authorities

The practical benefits of the European Prayer Breakfast should also be mentioned. This event provides access to a diverse network of European leaders committed to values-based governance.

It is ideal for meeting Members of the European Parliament, European Commission officials, diplomats, civil society leaders, faith community representatives, and anyone in a position of influence who seeks to lead with integrity and purpose.

Whether you are actively involved in European institutions or working to address societal challenges at any level, the EPB provides a place to find encouragement, build lasting friendships, and be reminded that leadership is ultimately about serving others with wisdom and compassion.