German bishops call on EU to play more active role in NATO

Roman Catholic service in Magdeburg. Photo: Deutsche Bischofskonferenz

On April 24, 2026, the Roman Catholic German Bishops’ Conference published a policy appeal titled “Europe, Show Confidence in Yourself!”, calling on the European Union to rapidly build up its military capacity and play a more active role in NATO, UOJ in Germany reports.

According to Germany’s Catholic bishops, the idea of a religiously or culturally united Europe is “untenable from a theological and historical point of view.” The bishops see Europe as a project of peace, freedom, and democracy, based on diversity and shared values.

The bishops are especially critical of the term “Christian West.” The document gives particular attention to NATO and the participation of European states in the alliance.

“Europe must strengthen its contribution to its own security more quickly and decisively,” the appeal states. The bishops say the European Union needs “a security and defense concept that will enable it, in the medium term, to defend itself and credibly play its role in NATO.”

The document also claims that “pressure from Russia and China is increasing,” while Russia, according to the authors, “relies on military violence” and “systematically undermines European stability.”

The bishops call for pooling Europe’s technological and economic capabilities and for serving as “an engine of multilateral approaches” – from climate policy to defense policy.

At the same time, Germany’s Roman Catholic Church says it “cannot and must not remain silent” when, in its assessment, the project of European unity is under threat, and says it assumes “responsibility for Europe.”

The authors do not mention the Christian faith in the document.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a German cardinal ordered clergy to perform blessings for LGBT couples.

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