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, and Ukraine.

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.

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.

EU External Affairs, International Religious Freedom, Plenary Assembly, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE Spring Assembly in Cyprus: EU bishops call for peace, dialogue and renewed EU engagement

On the occasion of the Spring Plenary Assembly of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), held in Nicosia from 22 to 24 April 2026 in the context of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the delegated bishops adopted a declaration addressing the worrying crises shaping the international landscape, with particular attention to the wars and instability … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

COMECE Spring Assembly 2026 to take place in Nicosia under Cypriot EU Presidency

On the occasion of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, EU bishops will exceptionally gather in Nicosia, Cyprus, for the Spring 2026 Plenary Assembly of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), taking place from 21 to 24 April 2026. The meeting will focus on the current situation in the Holy Land and the Middle East, as … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Plenary Assembly, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

STATEMENT | European bishops urge appointment of EU Special Envoy for Religious Freedom

The bishops of the European Union concluded their Autumn Assembly, held in Brussels from 1 to 3 October 2025, with a letter addressed to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, advocating the reinstatement of an EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union. Statement [EN – FR – DE – IT – ES – HU – … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

Strengthening Europe’s mission: EU bishops to convene in Brussels on 1-3 October

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 … Continue reading »

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 »