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Cardinal Parolin appointed Distinguished Member of the European Order of Merit

On Tuesday, 10 March 2026, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, announced the names of the first laureates of the newly established European Order of Merit, a distinction recognising outstanding contributions to European integration and to the promotion and defence of European values. “Europe has always been built by people: bridging divides, breaking barriers, overthrowing dictatorships and overcoming crises for a better future … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EU bishops welcome EC decision on ‘My voice, my choice’, caution against ESF+ for abortion services

In a statement released on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, the Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomes the decision of the European Commission not to establish a new funding programme as requested by the citizens’ initiative ‘My Voice, My Choice’. The bishops of the EU, however, express concerns over the possibility of mobilising the existing European Social Fund … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE President Mgr Crociata expresses concern over Middle East escalation and calls on the EU to relaunch diplomacy

In a short statement released on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, the President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata, expresses deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in Iran and across the Middle East, and calls on the EU and its Member States to promote de-escalation and relaunch diplomatic efforts. Read the Statement: EN | … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

News

European Day for a Work-free Sunday: Guaranteeing social cohesion across Europe

Every year on 3 March, the European Day for a Work-free Sunday is a moment to celebrate and reaffirm the importance of a weekly day of rest that is shared across our communities, a day to invite citizens, workers, church members, employers and political leaders alike to reflect on the social, cultural and health benefits of synchronised day of rest. In order to guarantee social … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE contributes to interreligious dialogue on Europe’s shared values during Lent and Ramadan

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) participated in the conference ‘Interreligious Dialogue on the Universal Values of Europe’, held at the European Parliament, Brussels, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, by the EPP Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue and the European Muslim Leaders Council (EULEMA). The event featured contributions, among others, from EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner (responsible for Internal … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

🙏🇺🇦 INITIATIVE | Prayer for Ukraine on 24 February

To mark the fourth tragic anniversary of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), together with the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, invites all people of goodwill to join in prayer for the people of Ukraine on Tuesday, 24th February 2026. This call echoes the repeated invitations of Pope Leo XIV to “support with prayer … Continue reading »