Category Archives: Policy Areas

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Christian Group on Migration and Asylum expresses concern about EU return proposal

The Christian Group on Migration and Asylum, a coalition of Christian Churches and agencies from across Europe that includes the Secretariat of COMECE, has expressed serious concern about the European Commission’s draft regulation for a new common European system for returns, in a statement released on Thursday, 18 September 2025. Download Statement Representing Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic traditions, as well as agencies working directly … Continue reading »

Education & Culture, Policy Areas, Press, Youth Platform, Youth policies

Press Release

DOCUMENT | COMECE submits contribution to EU consultation on the MFF in the fields of Culture, Education and Youth

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conference of the European Union (COMECE) releases its contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, focusing on cross-border education, training and solidarity, youth, media, culture, the creative sectors, values and civil society, on Tuesday, 16 September 2025. Download the Contribution [EN] The contribution “Dare and care to invest in the future” has been … Continue reading »

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

News

COMECE Secretary General participates in SECAM’s 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali

At the invitation of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), COMECE Secretary General, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, took part in the 20th Plenary Assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 30 July to 4 August 2025. Read SECAM Assembly Final Declaration This offered Fr. Barrios Prieto the possibility of sharing some of the most recent COMECE initiatives concerning Africa, including joint activities with … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Solidarity visit to Ukraine: COMECE witnesses the scale of human loss

A delegation of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), led by its President Mgr. Mariano Crociata, concluded an official visit to Ukraine from 16 to 18 July 2025. The visit reaffirmed COMECE’s closeness to the people of Ukraine and its unwavering solidarity with those suffering from the consequences of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.  Photo Gallery | Mgr. Crociata’s video … Continue reading »

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

Press Release

COMECE President mourns Gaza Church attack amid Ukraine solidarity visit

Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), expresses deep emotion and grave concern at the news of the recent attack on the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip, which occurred today, Thursday 17 July 2025. The news reached Mgr. Crociata while he is in Ukraine for a three-day visit to express solidarity with the Ukrainian … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Youth Net, Youth policies

Press Release

COMECE Youth Net’s annual contribution on EU migration policy now published

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) released, on Thursday 17 July 2025, the 2024–2025 contribution of the COMECE Youth Net, which focuses on the integration of migrants in Europe. Finalised during the spring meeting of the Youth Net in Budapest, the document explores key dimensions of integration, including vocational fulfilment and respect for human dignity, the demographic crisis and the … Continue reading »

Education & Culture, EU External Affairs, Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

News

Security, strategy and leadership: European Summer School 2025 concludes after 9 immersive days

The second edition of the European Summer School 2025, themed Security, Strategy and Leadership, has now concluded. The programme took place from 5 to 13 July 2025 at the historic Monastery of Poblet, Spain. Bringing together 40 carefully selected young professionals from over 20 countries, the programme chose participants based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and dedication to shaping Europe’s future. This year’s theme … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE President to travel to Ukraine for solidarity visit on 16–18 July 

A delegation of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), led by its President Mgr. Mariano Crociata, will undertake an official visit to Ukraine from 16 to 18 July 2025. The visit aims to express COMECE’s continued closeness with the people of Ukraine and solidarity with those affected by the ongoing Russia’s war of aggression. During the three-day visit, the COMECE … Continue reading »