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, 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 »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

Event

EVENT | Do European Catholics care about ecology? Multilingual Online Press Conference to be held on 20th May

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) cordially invites you to an online multilingual press conference to unveil the results of the ‘Living Laudato Si’ in Europe’ survey. This groundbreaking initiative, conducted by the European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA), explores how values are being integrated across Europe. Please join us exclusively online on Monday, 20 May 2024, at 11:00 (CET). Register … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Education & Culture, Policy Areas, Press

Event

EVENT | Webinar on Religious Heritage, “a driver for a more sustainable and inclusive society”

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) is delighted to invite you to the online conference “Religious Heritage: an overlooked driver for a more sustainable and inclusive society”, to be held on Thursday, 11 April 2024, from 11:00 to 12:30 (CET). Register now! The event is organised in the context of the New European Bauhaus Festival 2024 and will showcase a … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

Austrian Bishop Zsifkovics visits Brussels for a series of meetings with EU representatives

In a series of official meetings with high representatives of the EU institutions, Bishop Mgr. Zsifkovics (Austria) addressed some of the most pressing issues for Europe and the Catholic Church. The meetings took place in the context of an official trip to Brussels, held on 19-21 February 2024. The meetings were facilitated by COMECE. The Bishop was accompanied by a group of journalists from the … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE on farmers protests: “A sustainable future of our food system and a secure and flourishing future for farmers can coexist”

While major farmer protests are taking place across the European Union, COMECE issues the following statement on Tuesday, 30 January 2024, standing in solidarity with farmers and calling on the policymakers to put the human person in the centre of political considerations on agriculture. COMECE: “a sustainable future of our food system and a secure and flourishing future for farmers can coexist”. Download the Statement … Continue reading »