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20 February 2026
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đŽ NEWS | COMECE warmly welcomes the recent EP Resolution urging the appointment of a Coordinator to combat anti-Christian hatred in the European Union. COMECE: "It was an action we formally requested since 2024"
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20 February - COMECE warmly welcomes the recent resolution of the European Parliament urging the appointment of a Coordinator to combat anti-Christian hatred in the European Union. This Resolution also reflects the strong emphasis placed on the issue by COMECE.
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During a high-level conference held at the European Parliament in December 2024, COMECE adviser Alessandro Calcagno stated: âThe time is ripe for the appointment of an EU Coordinator to combat anti-Christian hatred.â This was the first time the issue had been formally raised in the EU context.
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In October 2025, during the Assembly of COMECE, the EU Bishops reiterated this request to responsible EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, who was a guest speaker at the Assembly.
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In November 2025, at the annual high-level meeting between the EU and religious leaders organised by the European Commission, COMECE Vice-President, Mgr Czeslaw Kozon, called for stronger institutional action, including âthe appointment of an EU Coordinator to combat anti-Christian hatred and the urgent need to improve religious literacyâ.
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In the same week, Adviser Calcagno addressed a meeting of the European Parliamentâs Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief, encouraging the EU institutions ânot to be afraid to take bold steps to protect Christian faithful in Europe from intolerance, discrimination, hatred and ignorance by appointing an EU Coordinator to combat anti-Christian hatred".
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*Next week, the Secretariat of COMECE will issue a press release on this matter, including recommendations on various mechanisms to ensure that efforts to combat anti-Christian hatred in the EU are effectively supported.
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APPEAL | âChristians for Europeâ: four Bishopsâ Conferences issue appeal for a renewed European vision
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13 February - The presidents of four European Bishopsâ Conferences released a joint appeal entitled âChristians for Europe. The Power of Hopeâ, calling for a renewed rediscovery of Europeâs soul and its contribution to the common good at a time marked by conflict, division and uncertainty. The appeal was signed by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi (Italian Bishopsâ Conference), Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (French Bishopsâ Conference), Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda (Polish Bishopsâ Conference) and Bishop Georg BĂ€tzing (German Bishopsâ Conference).
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The bishops stress that Europe must not be reduced to a mere economic or financial market. Rather, it is called to renew its commitment to solidarity, openness and peace, drawing on the legacy of its Christian roots and the vision of its founding fathers in order to confront nationalism and foster reconciliation across the continent.
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On the same day, the President of the Commission of the Bishopsâ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), Bishop Mariano Crociata, commented on the appeal to the press: âI have read with great interest the Message on Europe issued by the Presidents of the four Episcopal Conferences of Italy, France, Germany and Poland. It comes at a crucial moment that the European Union is currently experiencing and deserves full recognition and careful consideration. This initiative is a sign that the Spirit is at work and is calling the Church in Europe, in its various expressions, to offer the continent a message of hope at this particularly challenging time, providing a valuable impetus to renew the project of peace and prosperity that the European Union embodies.â Read the News | Read the Appeal: IT â DE â FR â PL
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STATEMENT | COMECE Presidency expresses solidarity with the people of Greenland
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3 February - The Presidency of the Commission of the Bishopsâ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) issued a statement expressing its solidarity and spiritual closeness with Greenland and its people in the context of growing geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing discussions regarding its future.
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The COMECE Presidency expressed concern about the broader international climate in which these discussions are taking place, characterised by increasing geopolitical tensions and a weakening of multilateral cooperation.
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âThe future of Greenland must be decided by the people of Greenland themselves, in full respect of their rights, dignity and aspirationsâ, the statement affirms, while also recalling the importance of upholding international law, the principles of the United Nations Charter and the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark. Read the Press Release | Read the Statement: EN | DK | IT | FR | SK| ES | PT
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INTERVIEW | President Crociata: âIt is necessary to take a first step towards the development of a shared European strategic cultureâ
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The President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, responded to questions from the Italian News Agency ANSA on recent statements by made by Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank and former Italian Prime Minister, concerning the future of the European Union. The interview is rich of interesting inputs and perspective on different fields. Mgr. Crociata restated that âthe EU was founded on the idea of striving towards an ever closer union, not only of an economic nature but also a political one.â
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Considering the current international context, the President of COMECE stated that "while initiatives to expand trade relations are certainly to be welcomed, the decisive issue remains coherence and unity of purpose in areas such as foreign policy and defence. The proposal of a federation appears increasingly to be the necessary conclusion to draw from an international situation that leaves the EU with no real alternatives".
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HOLY LAND | Archbishop HĂ©rouard represents COMECE at the 25th Holy Land Coordination
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26 January - Archbishop of Dijon (France) and First Vice-President of COMECE, Mgr Antoine HĂ©rouard, represented the Commission of the Bishopsâ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) during the 25th Holy Land Coordination in Jerusalem, from 17 to 21 January 2026, expressing solidarity with local Christian communities and supporting initiatives for justice, peace and reconciliation.
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The meeting brought together 13 bishops from ten countries in Europe and North America to express solidarity with Christian communities in the region and to support initiatives promoting justice, peace and reconciliation, around three months after the start of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The gathering took place under the motto âLand of Promise: Encounter with People of Hope.â Read the News | Read the Appeal | Photo Gallery
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NEWS | COMECE hosts annual meeting of Catholic organisations engaged with EU institutions
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20 February - The Commission of the Bishopsâ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) hosted its annual meeting of Catholic organisations engaged in advocacy with the institutions of the European Union.
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The meeting was presided over by Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of COMECE, and brought together around twenty Catholic organisations, the majority of which are based in Brussels. While differing in mission and areas of expertise, all participants share a common commitment to promoting the common good and contributing constructively to the European policy-making process.
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Participants reaffirmed their shared responsibility to contribute to policies that uphold human dignity, solidarity and justice. The gathering once again underscored the importance of dialogue and coordinated engagement in fostering a more united, just and cohesive European Union. Read the News | Photo Gallery
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INTERVIEW | Fr. Barrios Prieto: "Pope Leo XIV follows the path of the European Union and the work of COMECE very closely"
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26 January - In an interview with the Spanish media 'ReligiĂłn Confidencial', the General Secretary of COMECE, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, stated that "Pope Leo XIV follows the path of the European Union and the work of COMECE very closelyâ and raised the possibility that "the Pope may visit the European Parliament soon". Read the interview (ES)
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NEWS | COMECE congratulates Mgr Stanislav PĆibyl on his appointment as Archbishop of Prague
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9 February - The bishops and staff of COMECE congratulated H.E. Mgr Stanislav PĆibyl, Czech bishop delegate to our Assembly, on his recent appointment as Archbishop of Prague. They assure him of their prayers and wish him every success as he begins this new ministry in service to the Church and the people of Czechia. Pope Leo XIV appointed Mgr PĆibyl on 2 February 2026; he will be installed on 25 April 2026.
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NEWS | COMECE thanks Stefan Lunte for 30 years of dedicated service
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6 February - After 30 years of dedicated service as an adviser to COMECE, Stefan Lunte has retired. We express our sincere gratitude for his invaluable contribution, particularly during the early 2000s, when the current EU institutional framework was taking shape. Over the years, he has been an important resource for the staff of the Secretariat and for the bishops of the Assembly who had the opportunity to collaborate with him. We wish him every success and fulfilment in his future personal and professional endeavours.
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NEWS | COMECE expresses its gratitude to Alix de Wasseige and Luca Fabbris upon the conclusion of their service at the Secretariat
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9 February - We are grateful to Alix de Wasseige and Luca Fabbris for their valuable contribution as advisers to our work in the fields of socio-economic affairs and culture, education and youth in these last years. We wish them every success in their future personal and professional projects.
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NEWS | The European Laudato Si' Alliance launches its newsletter. Subscribe now!
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18 February - The European Laudato Si' Alliance (ELSiA) has launched its annual newsletter! Sign up to access ELSiAâs biggest wins, past events and all the achievements of this alliance of Catholic organisations in advancing Laudato Si' within EU policies. COMECE is a founding and observer member of ELSiA. Subscribe to the newsletter | Visit ELSiA's website
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NEWS | Secretaries General of the European Justice and Peace Commissions gather in Turin to exchange views on ways to address the challenges of organised crime
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16 February - Last week the Secretaries General of the European Justice and Peace Commissions gathered in Turin (Italy) for their annual encounter, hosted at Sermig â Arsenal of Peace. The meeting was held under the theme âFor a Europe Free of Organised Crimeâ, and it included exchanges with experts on addressing this multi- and transnational challenge. Read the Press Release
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NEWS | Justice and Peace Europa's publishes its annual concerted plan
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20 February - This week on Ash Wednesday, Justice and Peace Europe launched its Concerted Action. This year, the joint initiative of the 32 European Justice & Peace Commissions is entitled âEurope and organised crime - tackling the challenge togetherâ. Read the document
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OPPORTUNITY | New course on Vatican diplomacy â Apply by 31 March 2026
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5 February - The Pontifical Salesian University is organising a course entitled âThe Vatican, the Church and the Diplomacy of the Holy Seeâ, featuring direct interaction with professionals working in the field. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. Info & Application
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EU ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Next MFF and the Global Europe Instrument
The COMECE Secretariat is currently preparing technical inputs on the European Commission's Proposal for a Global Europe Instrument, which is included in the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) package. In this regard, we are closely accompanying the respective discussions in the Committees on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and on Development (DEVE) that are responsible for this legislative file on the side of the European Parliament.
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EC Consultation on the review of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive
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The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the review of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. The deadline for contributions is set for 1 May 2026. COMECE has started to work on a contribution, which will mainly focus on protection of minors, hate speech and religious broadcasting. Info on the consultation
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European CitizensÂŽ Initiative â My Voice, my Choiceâ
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In anticipation of the European Commission's decision on how to proceed with the EU citizens' initiative âMy Voice, my choiceâ, COMECE is discussing sensitive aspects of this initiative together with various EU Bishops' Conferences.
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Ethical considerations regarding mental health
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Ahead of the publication of a COMECE reflection paper on mental health, to be elaborated by its Commission on Ethics, COMECE will meet next week with representatives from different Brussels-based women organisations to discuss the stress faced by women that may contribute to mental health challenges.
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
24 February
European Sunday Allianceâs Parliamentary Breakfast on the topic âCompetitiveness: Social and economic progress through a common day of restâ.
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Adviser José Luis Bazån will represent COMECE at the opening reception of the new Brussels office of the EU and International Affairs Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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In the context of the 2026 Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, COMECE General Secretary Fr Manuel Barrios Prieto, together with the Conference of European Churches (CEC), will be in Nicosia for a series of meetings with representatives of the national government and the Churches in Cyprus.
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COMECE Standing Committee meeting to be presided over by Mgr. Crociata.
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COMECE President Mgr. Mariano Crociata will participate and contribute to the conference "Revisiting the dialogue between the European Union and religions (Article 17 of the Lisbon Treaty) in the light of the CommuniquĂ©s of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)" to be held at the European Parliament, Brussels. The event is organised by the EPP Working Group 'Intercultural and Religious Dialogue' and hosted by MEPs Ćœeljana Zovko and Vangelis Meimarakis.
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The meeting of the COMECE Legal Affairs Commission will be held in Brussels and will be presided over by Mgr. Hoogenboom.
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General Secretary Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto and Adviser Lenka MaÄugovĂĄ will participate in a retreat of the European Laudato Si' Alliance (ELSiA) at the TaizĂ© Community.
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General Secretary Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto will be in Strasbourg for the Plenary Assembly of the European Parliament.
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Press Office Manager Alessandro Di Maio will participate in a meeting with press and communications officers of Brussels-based Catholic organisations engaged in advocacy with the institutions of the European Union.
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Meeting of the Social Affairs Commission to be held in Brussels. The event will be presided over by Mgr. Galea-Curmi.
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The Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, H.E. Mgr Bernardito Cleopas Auza, will meet with the staff of the COMECE Secretariat.
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Steering group monthly meeting of the European Sunday Alliance.
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Adviser Marek MiĆĄĂĄk will take part in the first meeting of the Divestment from Mining Platform, organised in Rome by Iglesias y MinerĂa.
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Steering group monthly meeting of the European Sunday Alliance.
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COMECE Spring 2026 Plenary Assembly to be held in Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Commission of the Bishopsâ Conferences
of the European Union
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