The Spring Plenary Assembly held in Rome on 22-24 March 2023 ended on a high note thanks to the participation of Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, who shared interesting insights on current international challenges. The Assembly elected the Presidents of the COMECE Commissions.
Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, and COMECE President Mgr. Mariano Crociata. (Photo: Cristian Gennari/Siciliani/COMECE)
The dialogue meeting with Hon. Tajani offered the opportunity to address some of the most pressing issues on the European and international stage. The discussion focused on the role of the EU in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as on a common European migration policy that respects migrants’ dignity at every stage of their journey.
The EU Bishops and the former President of the European Parliament also debated on ways to tackle the climate crisis and promote fair and just development, especially in poorer countries.
The last day of the Spring Plenary Assembly also featured the election of the Presidents of the COMECE Commissions – one of the main tools of Church-EU dialogue.
- H.E. Mgr. Theodorus C.M. Hoogenboom (The Netherlands) was reconfirmed for a third mandate as President of the Legal Affairs Commission;
- H.E. Mgr. Jan Vokál (Czech Republic) is the new President of the Commission on the External Action of the European Union;
- H.E. Mgr. Joseph Galea-Curmi (Malta) is the new President of the Social Affairs Commission.
H.E. Mgr. Anton Jamnik, President of the COMECE Commission on Ethics. (Photo: Cristian Gennari/Siciliani/COMECE)
The existing Working Groups for the policy areas of Migration & Asylum, Ethics, Culture & Education have been transformed into Commissions. Their Presidents are:
- H.E. Mgr. Josef Haľko (Slovakia) is the President of the Commission on Migration and Asylum;
- H.E. Mgr. Anton Jamnik (Slovenia) is the President of the Commission on Ethics;
- H.E. Mgr. Janusz Stepnowski (Poland) is the President of the Commission on Culture and Education.
The COMECE Autumn Plenary Assembly will take place on 8-10 November 2023.
Download
Text of Mgr. Crociata’s Homily
Video of Hon. Antonio Tajani’s participation
Photo Gallery of the Assembly
