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 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 »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

EU Military Ordinariates gather at COMECE to discuss security challenges and promotion of peace

As part of its mission of dialogue with the European institutions, COMECE convened Military Bishops and experts from the Military Ordinariates across EU countries for a two-day meeting on 29-30 October 2024. The gathering provided a platform to discuss current and emerging challenges to peace in Europe and worldwide. Photo Gallery Amid Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, escalating violence in the Middle East … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Event

EVENT | COMECE invites you to the Conference “Is there a just war?” in Rome on October 25

War is always a defeat, but is it always avoidable? Even in the Third Millennium, are there circumstances that make it as tragic as it is inevitable? How does Catholic moral teaching compare with a situation of conflict that is ever closer to us? Do European history and thought still have an authoritative message to convey on these issues? On 25 October next, at the … Continue reading »