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.
Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

DOCUMENT | COMECE Reflection Paper addresses mental health challenges in Europe

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) published on Thursday, 7 May 2026, the Reflection Paper entitled “Mental Health in Europe – A Call for Care”. The document offers an ethical and human-centred contribution to the growing European public and political debate on mental health, calling for policies rooted in human dignity, solidarity and integral care. Download the Reflection Paper The … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EU bishops welcome EC decision on ‘My voice, my choice’, caution against ESF+ for abortion services

In a statement released on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, the Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomes the decision of the European Commission not to establish a new funding programme as requested by the citizens’ initiative ‘My Voice, My Choice’. The bishops of the EU, however, express concerns over the possibility of mobilising the existing European Social Fund … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE calls on MEPs to exercise responsibility ahead of vote on “My Voice, My Choice”

Ahead of the vote scheduled for tomorrow in the European Parliament on the European Citizens’ Initiative “My Voice, My Choice”, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) today, Tuesday 16 December 2025, published a statement expressing serious concerns regarding the overall objective of this initiative. COMECE:“In the debate on abortion, what is needed is not further ideological division, but rather prudent … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, EU External Affairs, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

New DBK bishop delegate to COMECE visits Brussels for high-level dialogue meetings on peace, democracy, sustainability and AI

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) warmly welcomed Bishop Heiner Wilmer SCJ as the new delegate of the German Bishops’ Conference to the COMECE Assembly. On 2–3 July 2025, Bishop Wilmer visited Brussels for a dialogue mission during which COMECE facilitated a series of meetings with representatives of European institutions and Catholic organisations. Video interview with Mgr. Wilmer Appointed in … Continue reading »