Category Archives: EU External Affairs


The EU started to develop a Common Foreign and Security Policy with the Maastricht Treaty (1992). Moreover, in recent years, the EU intensified efforts to promote Human Rights outside its borders and it has played a major role in International Trade and Development Aid.
EU Enlargement continues to be an important pillar of EU’s External Policy. Since 2004 a specific Neighborhood Policy was elaborated to establish good relations with neighboring countries.
In the hope that a united Europe can take a stronger role on the world stage, COMECE together with Justice and Peace Europe aims to assist the EU in its vocation to promote global peace and assume its responsibility for supporting sustainable development and social justice across the world. COMECE is assisted in this mission by a Commission on the External Relations of the European Union.
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 »

Education & Culture, EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

OPPORTUNITY | 2nd European Summer School with a focus on Security and Defence. Apply now!

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) is pleased to announce the launch of applications for the second edition of the European Summer School, organised by the School of Governance and Leadership Isabel la Católica in collaboration with COMECE. This year’s event will be held from 5 to 13 July 2025 in the historic Monastery of Poblet, a stunning former medieval … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

🇵🇱🇪🇺 Polish EU Presidency | European Churches meet with Minister for EU Affairs Adam Szłapka

A delegation from the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) met with H.E. Mr Adam Szłapka, Polish Minister for European Union Affairs, in Warsaw. The meeting took place on Monday, 7 April 2025, in the context of Poland’s ongoing Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Download COMECE-CEC Joint Contribution | Photo Gallery … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

VIDEO | Debate “Europe, Church, Ecumenism in times of turmoil”

The full video recording of the debate “Europe, Church, Ecumenism in Times of Turmoil” is now available on YouTube. The conference took place on Sunday, 7 April 2025, in the context of the COMECE-CEC delegation’s meeting with Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Watch the video The event featured contributions from: Manuel Enrique Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of the Commission of the … 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 »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

STATEMENT | EU bishops call for European unity and solidarity with Ukraine amid geopolitical uncertainty

In the context of increasing complexity and geopolitical uncertainty surrounding peace in Ukraine, the Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) issued a statement on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, expressing strong support for Ukraine. COMECE: “Ukraine’s struggle for peace will also be decisive for the fate of Europe and the world”. Download the Statement: EN | FR | DE … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE shares concerns for the dignity and presence of the people of Gaza

In the wake of the ongoing tragedy unfolding in the Holy Land, particularly in the Gaza Strip, COMECE echoes the humanitarian plea issued on Friday, 14 February 2025, by the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem. The local Christian leaders express their concern about the “grave threat of mass displacements” and call for the “protection of the dignity and presence of the people … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE President calls for urgent EU action amid catastrophic crisis in DRC

As the European Parliament prepares to vote on a resolution regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) later this week, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), has issued a statement on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, expressing deep sorrow and urgent concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Goma and eastern DRC. Read the … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE sends letter of solidarity to the people of Ukraine

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Ukraine in a letter addressed to the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations, on Monday, 2 December 2024. Download the Letter Signed by the President of COMECE, H. E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, the letter conveys EU bishops’ steadfast support and compassion for Ukraine amidst the … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE advocates for peaceful transition in Syria

“The bishops of the European Union are closely monitoring developments in Syria and express their hope for an orderly and peaceful transition of power. COMECE urges the new regime to reject sectarianism and extremism while embracing the contributions and unique identities of the many ethnic and religious minorities that enrich the Middle Eastern nation. Furthermore, they call for the protection of religious temples and sites … Continue reading »