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

A Catholic contribution in view of the EU-CELAC Summit. Mgr Crociata: “a unique opportunity to promote a more fraternal world” 

COMECE releases on Tuesday 18 April 2023 a contribution elaborated jointly with its partners in view of the upcoming summit between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). COMECE President Mgr Crociata: “The summit is a unique opportunity to strengthen the ties between the people of our regions, promoting a more fraternal world”. Contribution [EN – ES] | Recommendations … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Catholic voices on the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

In a statement released on Thursday 16 March 2023, Catholic organisations call on the European Parliament to adopt a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) marking “a true turning point in how the EU addresses the threats that corporate activities pose to our Human Family and Common Home”. Read the Statement Given the on-going debate and upcoming vote on the directive in the Legal Affairs … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE offers recommendations on EU Human Rights Defenders Guidelines 

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) offers, on Tuesday 7 March 2023, some recommendations to the European Parliament in view of the upcoming debate and vote on the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders. “It is crucial to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights and environmental defenders.” Read the document In close dialogue with human rights defenders in … Continue reading »