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.
Press Release
COMECE bishops in Łomża support EU future enlargements: “A strong message of hope for citizens seeking peace and justice”
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the 2004 major enlargement of the European Union, the bishops of COMECE, gathered in Łomża (Poland) for their Spring Assembly from April 17-19, 2024, adopted the statement ‘Let us continue building Europe together’. The bishops support the prospect of future enlargements: “It is not only a geopolitical necessity for stability in our continent, but a strong message … Continue reading
News
Delegation of the Mediterranean Youth Council visits COMECE, meets with EP President Metsola
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomed a delegation from the Mediterranean Youth Council on Wednesday, 3 April 2024. This visit was part of the Council’s official two-day tour of the EU institutions in Brussels, which included a meeting with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. Interview with Mgr. Crociata | Video interview with Mgr. Crociata |Video interview with … Continue reading
Interview
Mgr. Crociata on the war in Ukraine: “We must hope that the diplomatic initiative unfolds in all directions and with the full breadth it can muster”
On the occasion of the 2nd anniversary of Russia’s brutal military attack against Ukraine, the President of EU Bishops, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, speaks with the press, sharing his concerns and making an appeal for peace. Interview EN – IT “The European Union has moved together since the beginning, although along the way, its unity has shown cracks. We must hope that the diplomatic initiative … Continue reading
13/02/2024
COMECE-CIDSE Joint Statement calling on the EU Council to adopt CSDDD [EN]
Press Release
STATEMENT | COMECE and CIDSE urge Council to adopt Due Diligence Directive
In anticipation of the imminent vote by the Council of the EU on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, 2024, COMECE and CIDSE jointly issue the following Statement. Together, they urge the governments of EU Member States to promptly adopt the compromise text resulting from the political trialogue negotiations held last December. “Now more than ever, we need mandatory … Continue reading
18/01/2024
Mgr. Crociata and Mgr. Hoogenboom’s speeches during Article 17 High-Level EU-religious leaders meeting at the European Commission [EN]
News
Former COMECE intern Marina Oliveira receives prestigious human rights award
We are happy to announce that Marina Paula Oliveira, Brazilian human rights defender and former COMECE intern, was awarded the “Prix des droits de l’Homme 2023”, a prestigious award given by the French government to people who, often at the risk of their lives, defend the environment and human rights. Watch the video interview | Photo Gallery Marina Paula Oliveira is a 28-year-old woman from … Continue reading
Press Release
EU Enlargement, COMECE President welcomes historic decision of the European Council
Commenting on yesterday’s decision of the European Council regarding EU enlargement, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, issues the following statement, on Friday 15 December 2023. “On behalf of the Bishops of the European Union, I wish to congratulate Ukraine and Moldova on the historic decisions taken yesterday by the European Council on the opening of EU accession negotiations, as well as Georgia for … Continue reading
News
Development: COMECE welcomes EP recognition of the role of faith-based actors in education
In a Report adopted today, 13 December 2023, the European Parliament highlights the opportunities of engaging with local faith-based organisations in the educational sector and calls for stronger partnerships with these stakeholders. COMECE welcomes the Parliament’s prioritisation of education and training in EU’s development cooperation and appreciates its recognition of the valuable role of faith-based actors in this regard. In the Report “EU development cooperation … Continue reading