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.
Ecology & Sustainability, Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

European Catholic Social Days on technological & ecological transitions

The second day of the European Catholic Social Days, Saturday 19 March 2022, was devoted to the theme of digital and ecological transition processes. “Every effort to protect and improve our world entails profound changes in “lifestyles, models of production and consumption”. H.E. Mgr. Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture, delivered the first keynote speech of the day, addressing participants on new … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EU Bishops reply to President Macron: “there is no recognized right to abortion in European or international law”

In a statement released on Tuesday 8 February 2022, the Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) expresses its deep concern on President Macron’s proposal of including a supposed right to abortion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Read the full statement Aware of the tragedy and complexity of the situations in which mothers considering … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

European Churches urge people to get vaccinated against COVID-19

Joint appeal from the presidents of COMECE and CEC

Urging responsibility and care amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and encouraging vaccination together with necessary sanitary measures, H.Em. Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), and Rev. Christian Krieger, President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), have issued the following joint appeal. In this time of Advent, let us manifest Christ’s love by demonstrating … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

COMECE publishes a reflection paper on financial ethics. “Serving the common good in times of systemic change”

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) publishes on Thursday 18 November 2021 a reflection paper on ethics in the financial sector, calling for a reform to reduce social tensions and promote a change of behaviours at the individual and enterprise levels. Fr. Barrios Prieto: “Our call is put care at the centre, contributing to the dynamic of building together the … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Green Paper on Ageing: COMECE stresses the importance of intergenerational solidarity

In its recent contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the Green Paper on Ageing of Wednesday 21 April 2021, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has highlighted the need for more family-friendly policies and EU policies boosting intergenerational solidarity. On Wednesday 21 April 2021, COMECE contributed to the consultation of the European Commission on the Green Paper on Ageing, … Continue reading »