An electoral manifesto for the European Parliament (EP) elections has just been published by the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), which gathers the bishops of all EU member states, who have repeatedly shown themselves as true Europeans, wholeheartedly supporting the European integration project over the past decades. Many bishops were also at the forefront of their respective countries' long road to accession.

In the manifesto, the bishops once again expressed their support for the process of European integration which "deserves to be appreciated, in spite of some shortcomings. For this reason we support and promote the EU as a project of hope for all of its citizens."

Many people in Malta and other EU member states do not give much importance to the forthcoming EP elections in June. The EU bishops are not of the same opinion. They believe that through the June vote "all citizens have the opportunity to contribute to the development and improvement of the EU". Consequently, "every Christian not only has the right but also the responsibility to be actively engaged in this project by exercising his or her vote," say the bishops.

Interestingly, the bishops urge Catholics to decide who to vote for on the basis of two considerations: the fundamental needs of the human person, and the service of the common good. Their position is not sectarian, and consequently, their appeal may reach a wider audience that is willing to listen. It can also help Catholics strike alliances with people of different religions or who hold no belief at all.

The bishops expect Members of the European Parliament to actively to participate and contribute towards the following:

• To respect human life from conception to natural death as integral to all EU legislation, programmes and policies;

• to support the family founded on marriage - as understood between one man and one woman - as the basic unit of society;

• to advance the social rights of workers, providing them with working conditions which respect their health, safety and dignity;

• to endorse economic governance based on ethical values in order to achieve sustainable human development within the EU and at global level;

• to promote justice in the EU's relationships with developing countries through financial assistance and innovative partnerships;

• to demonstrate solidarity by shaping policies that help the weakest and poorest in our societies, particularly people with disabilities, asylum-seekers, and migrants;

• to protect creation by fighting climate change and encouraging a moderate lifestyle; and to promote peace in the world through co-ordinated and coherent external EU policy.

In Malta, several candidates belonging to different political parties are currently doing the rounds, lobbying for our vote. It would be a good idea if Catholic voters - the vast majority of this country's electorate - discussed the above list with these candidates to see where they stand on these points of principle.

It would be a pity if Catholics lose the opportunity to give voice to these issues and make their vote count in the upcoming EP elections.