Brussels, 19/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - As part of the initiative to promote dialogue between the European Union and religious bodies, as put forward in the Lisbon Treaty, a delegation of representatives from Hungarian and European churches held a meeting on Monday 17 January in Budapest with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Representatives from the churches also discussed a number of different subjects, including family policies, the situation of the Roma in Europe, respect for religious freedom and the EU's Danube Strategy. The social dimension of European policies was also tackled, particularly within the context of implementing the EU 2020 strategy. Prime Minister Orbán responded to a number of concerns expressed by the churches and welcomed their proactive commitment over the next six months of the Hungarian Presidency. He called on them to support efforts being made to encourage all governments and societies in Europe to recognise that integration of the Roma communities should be a European commitment and not just one to be made by a small number of governments. With regard to the EU's strategy for the Danube, the prime minister agreed with representatives from the church that it was necessary to promote reconciliation and intercultural dialogue. Orbán admitted that Europe found it difficult in bringing its citizens on board and encouraged the churches to act as a bridgehead and mouthpiece for expressing citizens' concerns to the EU. Prior to the European Parliament debate on religious freedom (see article), Orbán declared his support for an efficient EU response to combat the persecution of Christians and the increasing number of attacks against Christian communities throughout the world. (I.L./transl.fl)