(Brussels) “Data shows that Europe today is richer, safer and more democratic than 50 years ago, but this is not our perception. Populism gives bad answers to real problems”. In an interview with SIR news agency, Father Olivier Poquillon, secretary general of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), sketched out the cultural and political situation in the EU ahead of the 23-26 May elections. He underlined the constant support of the Catholic Church to the process of European integration. And said: “This might be a difficult time with tensions and exploitations, but it is also an opportunity for us to exercise our freedom of choice. In May, we will have a chance to choose who will represent us for the next five years, making decisions that will impact our daily lives”. Where is the European Union going? “In the EU, like in any family, there are tensions: we have large and small countries, southern and northern countries, and each country has its own social situation, its own economic system. But we are in the same boat and it is therefore important for us to have this common place, the Union, not just to exchange views, but also to take decisions”.