Category Archives: Policy Areas

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE calls on the EU to take a leading international role in implementing a universal ban on surrogacy

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) took part in the event “Surrogacy: An Ethical and Political Challenge for Europe”, held at the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. COMECE has called on EU institutions to “take a leading role internationally in implementing a total and universal ban on surrogacy.” COMECE was represented by José Luis Bazán, Adviser … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

COMECE praises European Parliament’s red lighting in support of persecuted faithful around the world

News

On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, parts of the Brussels seat of the European Parliament were illuminated in red, a gesture of significant symbolic value. The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomed the initiative, promoted by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) as part of global campaign ‘Red Wednesday’, calling it “an important sign of solidarity with persecuted Christians around … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

🔴 COMECE reiterates need to appoint EU coordinator in Europe to combat anti-Christian hatred and protect faithful

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) intervened at a meeting of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. The event was organised in cooperation with the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC) and the European Christian Political Party (ECPP). Adviser Calcagno reiterated COMECE’s encouragement to the EU institutions … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

Annual Article 17 TFEU EU-Churches meeting: COMECE urges stronger action to tackle religious discrimination and protect freedom of religion in the EU

COMECE participated in the Article 17 TFEU Annual High-Level Meeting between the European Commission and religious leaders on the theme “Living together in increasingly polarised societies” on Monday, 17 November 2024. During the meeting, COMECE Vice-President, Mgr Czeslaw Kozon, called for stronger institutional action, including “the appointment of an EU Coordinator on combating anti-Christian hatred and the urgent need for improved religious literacy”. Read the … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE Secretary General visits Dutch Bishops’ Conference to promote dialogue and collaboration

On Tuesday 11 November, the Dutch Bishops’ Conference welcomed Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, Secretary General of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), for an in-depth exchange about COMECE’s activities, its dialogue with the EU institutions, and its recent contributions to the EU policy-making process. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss some of COMECE’s most impactful initiatives and highlighted … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

STATEMENT | A Catholic message in view of the 7th AU-EU Summit in Angola

In view of the upcoming African Union–European Union Summit, taking place on 24-25 November 2025 in Luanda (Angola), the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), together with its partners, issues on Monday, 10 November 2025, a joint statement entitled “For a partnership that brings justice for the African people”. The document advocates for “a Europe-Africa partnership grounded in mutual respect and … Continue reading »