Category Archives: Ecology & Sustainability


In the Treaties the European Union professes the principles of sustainability, the protection of the environment and the fight against the causes and effects of climate change. Regularly these ambitions are in conflict with other aims of the EU like economic growth, agriculture and industrial policy.
Since 2008 COMECE has been engaged with the topic of climate change and regularly stressed the necessity of an ecological conversion and a different and more sober style of life. In his encyclical «Laudato si» Pope Francis has flagged up this idea with his concept of an «integrate ecology» that underscores the link between the protection of the environment and climate, the fight against poverty, social justice, economy and politics.
Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

News

VIDEO | European leaders call for justice-driven action on food and energy transitions

Inspired by the success of past editions, CIDSE, Caritas Europa, COMECE, Don Bosco International, JESC, Justice and Peace Europa and Laudato Si’ Movement, all members of the European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA), gathered European key stakeholders, policymakers, and civil society representatives in Brussels, on Thursday, 5 June 2025, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on care for our common … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

VIDEO | COMECE participates in Article 17 TFEU Seminar on Housing in the EU

COMECE participated in the Article 17 TFEU Seminar on “Housing in the EU: Strategies for a Europe that Supports People, Families and Young Generations”, held at the European Parliament on Wednesday, 4 June 2025. The event was hosted by the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Antonella Sberna, who also serves as the EP responsible for the Article 17 dialogue. Full video recording | COMECE Contribution … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE and SECAM send a joint message to European and African foreign ministers

Ahead of the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers from the African Union and the European Union, COMECE and SECAM issue on Thursday, 15 May 2025, a joint statement calling for a renewed, just and people-centred partnership between the two regions. COMECE: “Africa does not need charity, nor does it need to be a battleground for external interests. What it needs is justice and a partnership … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE assesses EC proposed ‘First Omnibus package’

In view of the upcoming inter-institutional negotiations on the ‘First Omnibus package’ proposal published by the European Commission, COMECE presents its assessment and comments in a document issued on Thursday, 20 March 2025, emphasising that the proposed amendments should not distort or neutralise the EU’s landmark sustainability laws. Download Document The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) acknowledges the efforts to … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

Invitation

EVENT | COMECE-FAFCE Conference at the European Parliament: exploring Integral Human Ecology and the role of families

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) warmly invites you to attend the conference titled “Integral Human Ecology: Intergenerational Solidarity”, to be held at the European Parliament on Tuesday, 5 November 2024. Programme | Concept Note | Send us an email to register This conference aims to emphasise that integral environmental protection naturally aligns with safeguarding family life. Attendees will consider … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

Invitation

EVENT | Join Us for the Season of Creation: Reflect on Water Management with ELSiA in Brussels

As part of the Season of Creation, which culminates on 4 October, the European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) invites you to two special events focused on water management, taking place on 1-2 October 2024 in Brussels. Tuesday, 1 October: Vernissage of Burnt Landscapes We invite you to the opening of Burnt Landscapes, an exhibition by French painter Claire Forgeot. Her artwork, deeply influenced by the … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

REPORT & VIDEO | The Living Laudato Si’ European Survey, a first-of-its-kind initiative

The European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) unveiled the results of the ‘Living Laudato Si’ in Europe’ survey on Monday, 20 May 2024. The results of this groundbreaking initiative assess the impact of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ on ecological efforts by Catholic groups across Europe. Full Report | Watch the video of the press conference Led by St Mary’s University, a consortium of five universities analysed … Continue reading »