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EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

External action: an authentic European Peace Policy needed

War in Syria, Iraq and Libya, conflict in Eastern Ukraine, terrorism and hybrid threats: in recent months, an arc of instability has surrounded the European Union and violent attacks even hit its core. It is to be hoped that this 28-29 June, the EU will reshape the strategic guidance for its Foreign & Security Policy. In a report published today, COMECE Bishops make 22 policy … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Invitation

Visit of Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Rangoon, to Brussels

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon (Rangoon) made a two-days visit to the EU Capital this 24 May. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo became Burma/Myanmar’s first ever Cardinal in 2015, and has long been one of the most outspoken voices for human rights, religious freedom, inter-religious harmony, peace and justice in the country. He is the main defender of the Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar and … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

The Pope’s Speech on Europe : powerful and encouraging

Reaction of Fr Patrick H. Daly, Secretary general of COMECE, to Pope Francis acceptance speech, on receipt of the Karlspreis: ‘COMECE cannot but welcome Pope Francis’ powerful evocation of all the ideals to which the founding fathers of the European project aspired in an imaginative, optimistic and challenge rallying cry to a continent he referred to from the outset as “beloved”. The Pope singled out … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Pope Francis’ visit to Lesbos: a bench-mark moment for Europe’s response to the refugee crisis

In view of Pope Francis’ visit to Lesbos on 16 April next, the General Secretary of COMECE, Fr Patrick H.Daly, made the following statement: “At the very outset of his pontificate, in visiting the rocky Italian outpost of Lampedusa, Pope Francis displayed his concern for those many migrants who put their lives at risk in order to seek refuge in Europe. The fate of migrants … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Cardinal Marx on the Brussels Attacks

The President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE), Cardinal Reinhard Marx, issued the following statement following the attacks in Brussels: ‘The attacks at Brussels Airport and on the Metro in the city have upset me deeply and filled me with sadness. My thoughts and prayers go out at this moment to the dead, the injured and their dear ones. … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

COMECE welcomes European Pillar of Social Rights

The European Commission launched a public consultation on the European Pillar of Social Rights. COMECE welcomes this initiative and hopes that the proposed provisions may become a key reference document for the EU and the Member States in the field of economic and social affairs. The initiative shall build upon the EU social acquis and supports the Commission in its work for a deeper and … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

News

Palliative care in Europe: how to care for the most vulnerable?

There is room for a public debate on palliative care across the EU, says COMECE in an Opinion published today. As European society gets older, an increasing number of elderly people require palliative care. The European Commission is currently working on a European framework on Palliative Care. In order to contribute to the discussion around this new Framework, the COMECE Working Group on Ethics in … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

2015 Elections at COMECE

During their Spring Plenary Assembly, the COMECE Bishops have elected on Friday 4 March two additional Vice-Presidents: Mgr. Czeslaw Kozon, Bishop of Copenhagen (Scandinavia) and member of COMECE since 2007, as well as Mgr. Rimantas Norvila, Bishop of Vilkaviškis (Lithuania) and member of COMECE since 2005. The COMECE Bishops have also nominated a new General Secretary for a three years mandate. Br Olivier Poquillon OP, … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE 2015 Spring Plenary Assembly: “Europe needs to be a constructive actor for peace in the world»

At their Spring Plenary Assembly on 2-4 March in Brussels, the COMECE Bishops dedicated a day to the theme of EU as a peace project. They used this occasion to discuss Peace and Security Policies. After the unification of Europe, which was in itself a project of peace and reconciliation, the Bishops emphasised the vocation of the EU to build peace in the world. In … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

Europe’s vocation to promote peace in the world COMECE 2016 Spring Plenary Assembly

This spring, the Plenary Assembly of the 27 Member Bishops of COMECE will be held in Brussels. The main theme for this meeting will be “Europe’s vocation to promote peace in the world”. The COMECE Bishops will be briefed by experts on the geopolitical situation at EU’s Eastern and Southern borders and new security challenges. They will also hear a theological and ethical reflection on … Continue reading »