AME
Alliance Maçonnique Européenne (AME)
Without wishing to neglect other global issues, it has become evident that it is in the best interest of European obediences to coordinate closely in order to promote Masonic values and concerns more effectively in the Europe of today and tomorrow. The unification of Europe presupposes the alliance of all European Freemasons, so that the principles that have shaped so many distinguished Europeans may become the ethical foundation of Europe now and in the future.
In 2011, several European, liberal, mixed, and pluralistic obediences — among them the Grand Orient of Austria — founded the Alliance Maçonnique Européenne (AME).
The aim of the Alliance is to ensure that the concerns of European Freemasonry receive appropriate attention and consideration within the European institutions, and to make these concerns accessible to the citizens of Europe. In particular…
- the defense and further development of the values and principles that arise from the heritage of Freemasonry, above all dignity, freedom, and equal rights for all human beings (the human rights set out in the Universal Declaration of 1948 and in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms)
- the moral and spiritual development of humanity, as well as the social advancement of economic, cultural, and political societies, in particular the strengthening of democracy
- the promotion of a democratic Europe with greater justice and genuine solidarity.
On the basis of the Treaty of Lisbon (Article 17 TFEU), the Alliance maintains a dialogue with the Outreach Team of the Bureau of European Policy Advisors (BEPA), whose mission is to develop contacts with philosophical and non‑confessional organisations, as well as with churches and other religious associations or communities, and to observe trends within society. The Bureau of European Policy Advisors reports its findings to the President of the European Commission, the College of Commissioners, and the Commission’s Directorates‑General; it also organises consultations with these bodies..
The values on which the Union is founded are respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to all Member States in a society characterised by pluralism, non‑discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity, and equality between women and men.” (Treaty of Lisbon, Article 1a)
In all these areas, Freemasonry will, in accordance with its structures, contribute whatever is necessary to foster the European spirit in all its diversity. The Alliance Maçonnique Européenne pursues a two‑way dialogue: on the one hand, it prepares responses to questions raised by the Bureau of European Policy Advisors; on the other hand, it proposes topics of importance to the Masonic alliance for discussion and consideration.
AACEE
ADOGMATIC ASSOCIATION FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE (AACEE)
In 2008, obediences in Central and Eastern Europe founded the AACEE. The purpose and mission of this association is to work, in a distinctly Masonic spirit, within the specific regional circumstances and challenges that emerged from the historical developments of the 20th century.
The Grand Orient of Austria was invited to participate in the founding as an experienced contributor and subsequently joined, together with major obediences of Western Europe, as a supporting member..
This association is supported in the development of Freemasonry and its values, as well as in the establishment of young obediences and lodges. At the annual congresses, held each year in a different member country, the specific characteristics and issues of that country or of the entire region are addressed.
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