The Secretariat ensures the continuity of COMECE’s work. Its headquarters are in Brussels. A small team monitors and analyses developments in EU policies and initiatives and strives to contribute to the relevant processes. The Secretariat reports to the Standing Committee and to the Plenary Assembly. The current General Secretary is Fr. Manuel Enrique Barrios Prieto. COMECE is assisted in its mission by a number of Commissions and Working Groups made up of experts mandated by the national Bishops’ Conferences and Catholic organisations working in the relevant fields. Ad hoc groups are created as and when necessary.