Delegates gathered at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, for the annual 28th European Parliament Prayer Breakfast (EPB), where they focused on prayer, fellowship, and strategic collaboration.
The EPB, held on Dec. 2-3, functions as an annual, non-political event in the European Parliament that brings together Christians involved in European politics and advocacy for networking and fellowship. It usually takes place in late November or early December and includes a welcome dinner, prayer breakfast and panel discussion.
Janet Epp Buckingham, Director of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Office to the UN, told Christian Daily International that this year’s event marked a meaning moment of unity.
“It was a wonderful experience to worship and pray with 550 Members of the European Parliament, Christian politicians from many other countries, and Christian leaders at the European Parliament Prayer Breakfast,” she said.
Buckingham noted the humble setting enhanced the focus on faith.
“It was held in the cafeteria of the European Union so not a fancy location. The focus was really on prayer with opportunities for us to pray at our tables as well as prayers led from the podium. We concluded with the Lord’s Prayer with each praying in their own language – a beautiful reflection of the global reach of the gospel.”
The European Evangelical Alliance (EEA), the continent’s leading evangelical representative body, on social media hailed the gathering as a "powerful time."
The EEA invited leaders from National Evangelical Alliances across Europe, including the U.K., France, Germany, Ukraine, Poland, and others.
“Together with brothers and sisters from National Evangelical Alliances across Europe... and our EEA Advocacy Network, we prayed, connected, learned and strategized as one family in Christ,” the EEA stated.
While the official EPB gathered leaders to pray for Europe, the EEA used the opportunity to host its own extra gatherings with sessions focused on relationship-building, mutual encouragement, and advocacy training. Key discussions included how to respond wisely to Europe’s many challenges and how to navigate the rise of Christian nationalism with biblical integrity.
“Grateful for every story shared, every prayer lifted and every new bond formed,” the EEA said. “Let’s keep building a united, courageous and compassionate evangelical voice in Europe!”
The European Prayer Breakfast (EPB), established in 1998, draws its foundation from the Christian principles of European unity. Founding fathers of Europe, such as Robert Schuman saw faith as central, aiming for a democratic model rooted in Christian fundamental values.
The annual EPB facilitates a philosophy prioritizing relationships over agendas, encouraging participants—including MEPs and EU staff—to connect around Jesus's core teachings: to love God and love your neighbour.
The event seeks to build lasting friendships across differences, fostering an environment where leaders can meet and encourage action to alleviate human suffering, consistent with a global network of similar gatherings.
