The European Buddhist Union (EBU) is an umbrella association of Buddhist organisations and national Buddhist unions in Europe. We welcome groups from all schools and traditions of Buddhism in Europe wishing to work together in a spirit of friendly co-operation and respect for diversity, on the basis of Buddhist teachings. We value non-violence, compassion, loving kindness and responsibility, which we consider to be at the heart of Buddhism. We advocate for human rights and equality for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, language, religion, nationality, social origins, birth status or any other distinction. We share the values that inspired the founders of the Council of Europe and the European Union: creating and maintaining peace, solidarity and diversity across Europe via the maintenance of free, democratic, open and non-discriminatory states.