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.
EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

ASSEMBLY | Note from the President of COMECE on the crisis in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan

In the context of the autumn plenary assembly of the bishops of the European Union, taking place in Brussels from 1 to 3 October, the COMECE Secretariat is publishing a note from the President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, on the dramatic situation in the Gaza Strip, in Ukraine, Sudan, and in other regions affected by war. Below is the text of the note in … Continue reading »

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

News

COMECE Secretary General participates in SECAM’s 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali

At the invitation of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), COMECE Secretary General, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, took part in the 20th Plenary Assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 30 July to 4 August 2025. Read SECAM Assembly Final Declaration This offered Fr. Barrios Prieto the possibility of sharing some of the most recent COMECE initiatives concerning Africa, including joint activities with … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Solidarity visit to Ukraine: COMECE witnesses the scale of human loss

A delegation of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), led by its President Mgr. Mariano Crociata, concluded an official visit to Ukraine from 16 to 18 July 2025. The visit reaffirmed COMECE’s closeness to the people of Ukraine and its unwavering solidarity with those suffering from the consequences of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.  Photo Gallery | Mgr. Crociata’s video … Continue reading »

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

Press Release

COMECE President mourns Gaza Church attack amid Ukraine solidarity visit

Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), expresses deep emotion and grave concern at the news of the recent attack on the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip, which occurred today, Thursday 17 July 2025. The news reached Mgr. Crociata while he is in Ukraine for a three-day visit to express solidarity with the Ukrainian … Continue reading »

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

News

Security, strategy and leadership: European Summer School 2025 concludes after 9 immersive days

The second edition of the European Summer School 2025, themed Security, Strategy and Leadership, has now concluded. The programme took place from 5 to 13 July 2025 at the historic Monastery of Poblet, Spain. Bringing together 40 carefully selected young professionals from over 20 countries, the programme chose participants based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and dedication to shaping Europe’s future. This year’s theme … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE President to travel to Ukraine for solidarity visit on 16–18 July 

A delegation of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), led by its President Mgr. Mariano Crociata, will undertake an official visit to Ukraine from 16 to 18 July 2025. The visit aims to express COMECE’s continued closeness with the people of Ukraine and solidarity with those affected by the ongoing Russia’s war of aggression. During the three-day visit, the COMECE … 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 »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Ahead of the European Summit, COMECE urges relaunching EU’s peace and development mission

In light of the forthcoming European Council meeting on 26–27 June 2025 and in the context of the discussions on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) publishes on Monday, 23 June 2025, the Reflection Paper entitled “The European Union’s Role in a Changing World: From Founding Vision to Global Mission”. With this paper, COMECE calls on the EU “to remain faithful to its … Continue reading »