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

Event

Event “Africa-EU partnership of equals: how can we get there? Is the Global Gateway fit for purpose?”

COMECE and its partners invite you to join the conference “Africa-EU partnership of equals: how can we get there? Is the Global Gateway fit for purpose?”, to be held at the European Parliament (Brussels, Room ASP-1G369) on Tuesday 7 March 2023 from 11:15 to 13:00 (CET). Online participation is also available. Programme (EN – FR) |  Register now! In the context of the 6th AU-EU … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

One year of war in Ukraine | EU Bishops: “stop this madness of war”!

In view of the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale tragic military invasion of Ukraine, the President of COMECE, Cardinal Hollerich, reiterates the EU Bishops’ appeal to the aggressor to “immediately suspend the hostilities and withdraw its armed forces, in full respect of international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine”. Read the Statement On Wednesday, 22 February 2023, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Event

COMECE and partners organise webinar on the Brumadinho disaster and the EU due diligence law

On the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the Brumadinho dam collapse, COMECE and its partners organise on Friday 20 January 2023 at 17:00 (CET) an online event to show closeness to all those who have been affected and to highlight the need for EU and international legislators to oblige companies to identify and address dangerous risks across the global value chain. The webinar will … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE-CEC Christmas message for peace in Ukraine and beyond

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) highlight a message of love, hope and peace this Christmas, for Ukraine and beyond. Addressing all churches and people across the continent celebrating Christmas in diverse traditions, COMECE President H. Em. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ and CEC President Rev. Christian Krieger have issued the following message and prayer on Friday … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE warmly welcomes Bishop Treanor’s appointment as new Apostolic Nuncio to the EU

COMECE President Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ congratulates Monsignor Noël Treanor (Ireland) on his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union on Saturday 26 November 2022. Cardinal Hollerich: “Bishop Treanor is a paramount figure for the Church in the European Union”. Today, Saturday 26 November 2022, Pope Francis has appointed H.E. Mgr. Noël Treanor, Bishop of the Irish diocese of Down and Connor, as the … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

War in Ukraine | COMECE: “what else must happen so that finally an end is put to this madness of war?”

In the context of recent events in Ukraine and Poland, COMECE releases on Wednesday 16 November 2022 a statement elaborated by the COMECE Commission on the External Relations of the EU during its second annual meeting. The Commission is chaired by H.E. Mgr. Rimantas Norvila. Download the Statement “We express our deep concern over the latest developments in Ukraine and Poland. Since the beginning of … Continue reading »

COMECE Assembly Statement | A heartfelt appeal for peace in Ukraine and in the whole of Europe [EN, FR, IT, DE]

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Publications
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EU External Affairs, Plenary Assembly, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE Plenary Assembly | EU Bishops appeal for peace in Ukraine and in the whole of Europe

Gathered in Brussels on 12-14 October 2022, the Plenary Assembly of the Bishop Delegates of the EU Episcopates makes a strong appeal to Russia to immediately suspend the hostilities against Ukraine and to all parties to work towards a solution to the conflict. They also encourage strong EU cohesion. Read the Statement EN | FR | IT | DE In the context of the 2022 … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE welcomes launch of EU accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia

The Bishops of the European Union congratulate Albania and North Macedonia on the opening of EU accession negotiations. Fr. Barrios Prieto: “a credible EU enlargement process is of strategic importance for stability, prosperity and peace on the European continent”. The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) congratulates Albania and North Macedonia on the opening of EU accessions talks officially launched on … Continue reading »