Category Archives: Ethics, Research & Health


Scientific research and technological development make a major contribution to the integral development and the quality of life of human beings, especially, but not only, in the area of health where new therapeutic options become increasingly available. They are also an important motor of economic growth. COMECE chiefly covers the bioethical issues that arise at the EU level in the ambits of health and of research, although the main competences with regard to these matters remain largely at the Member States’ level. COMECE is assisted in this mission by a Working Group on Ethics.

Press Release

COMECE issues position paper on strengthening Europe’s democratic culture through values

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) released its position paper titled “Strengthening the Culture of Democracy through Values” on Friday, May 31, 2024. This document, developed by the COMECE Commission on Ethics, offers an ethical perspective on the crucial role that values play in promoting, consolidating, and improving democracy in Europe, ensuring its legacy for future generations. Download the Position … Continue reading »

Press Release

COMECE issues statement ahead of EP vote on the inclusion of abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

Ahead of the vote by the European Parliament on the Resolution for the ‘Inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights’ (2024/2655 RSP), scheduled for Thursday, 11 April 2024, the Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has issued the following statement. Statement: EN | IT | FR | DE | ES | SK … Continue reading »

Press Release

COMECE on the Artificial Intelligence Act: “It does justice to the ethical foundations of the EU”

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) issues a statement titled “A European Call for Responsibility – Ethical Demands for a Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence,” on Friday, 2 February 2024, welcoming the recent adoption of the EU regulation on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Bishop Jamnik: “It is the first robust EU regulatory framework for AI that does justice to the ethical foundations of … Continue reading »

Press Release

SoHO Regulation: COMECE releases Position Paper ahead of final trilogue negotiation

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) releases a position paper on Wednesday 25 October 2023 calling for an in-depth debate on the SoHO proposed regulation in the context of the ongoing inter-institutional negotiations between the EU Council and the Parliament. Read the Position Paper [EN – IT] The EU Bishops welcome the general necessity of the regulation on quality and … Continue reading »

Press Release

COMECE and Katholisches Büro express concerns over EP SoHO Regulation Draft

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Katholisches Büro in Berlin are jointly releasing a statement on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, expressing their deep concerns about the draft of the European Parliament’s position on the SoHO Regulation. This regulation will set the fundamental curse for future handling of prenatal human life in European transplantation and pharmaceutical legislation. Read the … Continue reading »

Press Release

COMECE on the “ethical indefensibility” of an EU fundamental right to abortion

In the context of the public debate on including a supposed right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, COMECE publishes the statement ‘The Ethical Indefensibility of an EU Fundamental Right to Abortion’ elaborated by its Commission on Ethics. Read the Statement The document argues that the respect for the inalienable dignity of every human being in every stage of life – especially … Continue reading »

News

The European Sunday Alliance advocates for including fight against loneliness in the EU agenda

The European Sunday Alliance held on Wednesday 26 April 2023 a Breakfast event in the European Parliament on the topic “Work and loneliness: Quality resting time for an improved mental health of workers”. Participants discussed the need for flexibility in the labour market in a post-Covid context, while securing a synchronised weekly day of rest. The discussion highlighted that a common day of rest would decrease loneliness, improve mental … Continue reading »