Category Archives: Plenary Assembly

The Assembly of COMECE is formed by the Bishops delegated by the Episcopates of each Member State of the European Union. Its main function is to take the decisions necessary to pursue, in a spirit of collegiality, a closer collaboration among the Bishops’ Conferences, to address the pastoral questions connected to the development of the competences and activities of the Union.

2018 Autumn COMECE Plenary Assembly. (Credit: EEAS)

The Assembly also provides an effective platform for exchange and concertation among the EU Bishops’ Conferences, engages in a dialogue with high-level EU representatives on current and future EU policies, and sets out the main lines of the activity of the COMECE Secretariat.

A single Bishop represents the Episcopates of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of Sweden, and the Republic of Finland. The Assembly also includes observers from the Episcopates of Serbia, Switzerland, Scotland, England and Wales.

The Apostolic Nunciature to the European Union, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the Council of Europe, and a representative of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) and of Justice and Peace Europe are invited to take part in the Assembly.

The Assembly elects COMECE’s President and four Vice-Presidents from among its members ensuring that they are representative of the geographical distribution of the Episcopates of the European Union. The Assembly also elects the Presidents of the COMECE Commissions on Social Affairs, Legal Affairs and External Action.

The Assembly gathers twice per year (during the Spring and Autumn). A seminal issue of the European integration process provides the core theme for each meeting.

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

ASSEMBLY | EU bishops issue ‘Looking to Europe with Hope’ declaration during plenary Assembly in Rome

The bishops of the European Union convened in Nemi (Italy) from 26 to 28 March 2025 for the spring Plenary Assembly of COMECE. Following a series of dialogue sessions with Vatican, EU and academic representatives, the bishops elaborated and issued the declaration “Looking to Europe with hope”. Declaration | Message to Pope Francis | Card. Parolin’s speech | Photo Gallery The declaration Deeply concerned about the … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

EU bishops to discuss Europe’s unity and its role as a global actor for peace

Bishop delegates from the Episcopates of the European Union will convene in Nemi (Italy) for the COMECE Spring Assembly, scheduled to take place from 26 to 28 March 2025. The event will focus on renewing Europe’s internal unity and its commitment to being a global actor for peace. Among others, the Assembly will feature the participation of Cardinal Parolin, Archbishop Gallagher, and Presidents Mario Monti … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

ASSEMBLY | EU bishops reflect on Europe’s future and challenges of the new institutional cycle

The bishops of the European Union convened in Brussels from 27 to 29 November 2024 for the autumn Plenary Assembly of COMECE. Focus: peace, European integration, Single Market, the future of work in the EU and implementation of Article 17 TFEU. The Assembly coincided with the European Parliament’s vote on the new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen. In response, COMECE President Mgr. … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

2024 COMECE Autumn Assembly: EU bishops to discuss the Union’s future after recent elections amid geopolitical turmoil

Bishop delegates from the Episcopates of the European Union will convene in Brussels for the COMECE Autumn Assembly, scheduled from 27 to 29 November 2024. Among others, the event will feature the participation of former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta. The assembly will focus on Article 17 of the TFEU and explore the future of the EU in the context of recent elections and the … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Plenary Assembly, Press

Invitation

EVENT | Join the Mass for Europe in Brussels on November 27th!

As part of the incoming 2024 Autumn COMECE Plenary Assembly, we warmly invite you to join us for the Mass for Europe. This celebration will take place at the Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 18:30 CET. Download the poster The Mass for Europe will be celebrated by H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of the Commission … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Plenary Assembly, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE bishops in Łomża support EU future enlargements: “A strong message of hope for citizens seeking peace and justice”

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the 2004 major enlargement of the European Union, the bishops of COMECE, gathered in Łomża (Poland) for their Spring Assembly from April 17-19, 2024, adopted the statement ‘Let us continue building Europe together’. The bishops support the prospect of future enlargements: “It is not only a geopolitical necessity for stability in our continent, but a strong message … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

EU Bishops to gather in Poland for COMECE Plenary Assembly on 17-19 April

Delegates from the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union will gather in Łomża, Poland, for the Spring COMECE Plenary Assembly on 17-19 April 2024. Marking 20 years after the big EU enlargement, the Assembly will delve into the voices of Central and Eastern Europe in light of the forthcoming European elections. The Assembly’s agenda includes three main sessions, focusing on the European Union’s integration process, … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Plenary Assembly, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Assembly adopts declaration calling on the EU to offer a renewed vision for justice and peace

The Bishops of the European Union, gathered in Brussels for the 2023 Autumn COMECE Plenary Assembly, adopt a statement on peace in the context of the serious deterioration of international security, on Friday 10 November 2023. EU Bishops: “We call on Europe to offer a renewed vision for justice and peace”. Read the declaration [EN – IT – FR – CZ] Bishops express their deep … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

EVENT

EVENT | Participate in the Mass for Europe in Brussels on November 8!

In the context of the 2023 Autumn Plenary Assembly of COMECE, we invite you to participate in the Mass for Europe, to be celebrated at the Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon (Place du Grand Sablon, 1000, Bruxelles) on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at 19:00. The Holy Mass will be presided by the President of COMECE, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, and co-celebrated by the Bishops … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

ASSEMBLY | EU Bishops exchange with Italian Foreign Affairs Minister and elect Presidents of COMECE Commissions

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. The dialogue meeting with Hon. Tajani offered the opportunity to address some of the most pressing issues on the European … Continue reading »