Startled European Commissioner by the dust around Christmas greeting ban | Abroad

The dozen-page document, proudly presented by Dalli at the end of October with a photo on Twitter, contains all kinds of guidelines so as not to offend anyone.

For example, in order to make the already boring language of EU bureaucrats gender neutral, people are warning to stop using ‘ladies and gentlemen’. But also English words like chairman on man-made should be avoided.

Christian terms

Most of the fuss has arisen about the banning of Christian terms. EU officials should refrain from asking for baptismal names and even the Christmas greeting should be removed from the list of common courtesies. The guideline recommends talking about the holiday season.

The document hit like a bomb, especially in Catholic Italy. Several prominent right-wing politicians have reacted furiously. Even the Vatican, through Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, has expressed concerns: “I believe the concern to eliminate all discrimination is justified. However, in my opinion, this is not the way to achieve this goal.”

European Commissioner Dalli, clearly shocked by the commotion, says she will look into the concerns. In a statement, she acknowledged that the document in its current form is insufficiently suitable and does not meet the standards of the European Commission. “Clearly more work is needed. That is why I am withdrawing the document to continue working on it.”

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