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, 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 »

Ethics, Research & Health, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Matić Report: COMECE calls on MEPs to be aware of the importance and complexity of the issue and to vote with responsibility

The Secretariat of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) released a position paper on the ‘Matić Report’ on Thursday 17 June 2021, ahead of its final submission to the upcoming EU Parliament Plenary session. The Catholic Church recognises the importance of protecting the health and rights of women and calls on all MEPs to take into account the sensitive and … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

News

Assembly of the COMECE Working Group on Ethics. Focus on EU Green Digital Certificate

The Assembly of the COMECE Working Group on Ethics met on Tuesday 18 May 2021 to exchange on the new EU Green Digital Certificate, highlighting the need not to exclude anyone from participating in social life. Members of the COMECE Working Group assessed the EU reactions to the COMECE-FAFCE document “The Elderly and the Future of Europe”, released on December 2020. The group also exchanged views on a new document on Financial Ethics to be published … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EU Bishops address the President of the Parliament on the recent Resolution on abortion in Poland

The Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) addresses a letter to David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, with regard to the European Parliament Resolution of 26 November 2020 on abortion in Poland. In their letter, the EU Bishops emphasize once again that the Catholic Church, which seeks to support women in life situations arising from difficult or … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EU Foundational Principles Demand Vaccine Equity

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and Caritas Europa are urging the EU institutions to ensure vaccine access for all, promoting a “widescale vaccination not only for Europe´s own safety and protection, but also for global public health as a public good”. With the COVID-19 pandemic having already entered into its second year, COMECE and Caritas Europa praised the swift … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE-FAFCE joint Webinar on “The Elderly and the Future of Europe”

Following the publication of a joint Reflection Paper on “The Elderly and the Future of Europe“, COMECE and the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe are glad to invite you to an online event to reflect on the role of the elderly in a context of pandemic and demographic change. The event will be held on Monday 1 March 2021, from 15:00 to 16:15 … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE-FAFCE reflection on the role of the elderly in times of demographic change

“Elderly people are a gift and a resource, […] they cannot be seen as separated from communities”, states the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) together with FAFCE in the reflection paper “The Elderly and the Future of Europe”, jointly published on Thursday 3 December 2020. COMECE-FAFCE General Secretaries: “Let’s transform the Covid-19 crisis into an opportunity for a shift of … Continue reading »