The Bishops of the European Union will gather in Brussels from 1 to 3 October 2025 for the COMECE Autumn Plenary Assembly. The meeting will focus on the role of the European Union amid today’s international scenario, marked by instability, lack of multilateral dialogue and growing military and economic rivalry among regional powers. The Assembly will feature the participation of EU Commissioner Brunner, EP Vice President Sberna and EC Special Adviser Welle. Join us for the Mass for Europe
Working session of the autumn assembly. Brussels, November 2024. (Photo: Ada Lushi/COMECE)
In this context of geopolitical turmoil, the bishops of the EU will reflect on the pressing need to revitalise the Union so as to avert the risk of international irrelevance, taking Europe’s fouding vision as a starting point.
The Assembly will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of strengthening the EU’s role as a promoter of dialogue and peace worldwide, while also fostering solidarity, responsibility, unity and justice within its borders.
Particular attention will be devoted to key areas such as migration and asylum, defence, the rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights and the social impact of emerging technologies, especially those based on Artificial Intelligence.
COMECE President Mgr. Mariano Crociata during a working session of the 2024 autumn assembly held in Brussels. (Photo: Ada Lushi/COMECE)
Wednesday 1 October
The Assembly will welcome Klaus Welle, Special Adviser to the Commissioner for Defence and former Secretary-General of the European Parliament. The discussion will mainly address issues of peace and defence, the EU’s stance in the face of ongoing conflicts – particularly Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine – and possible initiatives to foster dialogue and peace across the European continent and beyond.
Thursday 2 October
The EU bishops will engage in a dialogue with Antonella Sberna, Vice-President of the European Parliament and responsible for the implementation of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The exchange will cover several issues, including relations between EU institutions and Churches, the strengthening of Article 17 and the specific contribution of the Catholic Church to EU policy-making and to the promotion of a more united and cohesive Union.
Later in the afternoon, the implementation of Article 17 will also be discussed with European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner. Other topics of discussion will include the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the Union’s policy on the return of irregular migrants to their countries of origin, the protection of children online and offline and initiatives to combat hate speech.
Following the exchange with the EU Commissioner, the EU bishops will meet with H.E. Mgr William Kenney CP, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Birmingham and member of the Santa Marta Group. This meeting will be an opportunity to review the activities of this organisation in the fight against human trafficking and to explore possible ways of strengthening its action at EU level.
Mass for Europe
The Assembly will also feature a number of moments of prayer, most notably the Mass for Europe, to be celebrated at the Église de Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon, Brussels, on Wednesday 1 October 2025 at 19:00. The Mass will be presided over by H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, and concelebrated by all the delegate bishops. Participation in the Mass is open to the public and no prior registration is required.
Media
The COMECE Plenary Assembly is a closed-door event. Journalists and media professionals wishing to cover the event and interview the bishops are strongly encouraged to contact the COMECE Press Office in advance.