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

External action: an authentic European Peace Policy needed

War in Syria, Iraq and Libya, conflict in Eastern Ukraine, terrorism and hybrid threats: in recent months, an arc of instability has surrounded the European Union and violent attacks even hit its core. It is to be hoped that this 28-29 June, the EU will reshape the strategic guidance for its Foreign & Security Policy. In a report published today, COMECE Bishops make 22 policy … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Invitation

Visit of Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Rangoon, to Brussels

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon (Rangoon) made a two-days visit to the EU Capital this 24 May. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo became Burma/Myanmar’s first ever Cardinal in 2015, and has long been one of the most outspoken voices for human rights, religious freedom, inter-religious harmony, peace and justice in the country. He is the main defender of the Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar and … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE 2015 Spring Plenary Assembly: “Europe needs to be a constructive actor for peace in the world»

At their Spring Plenary Assembly on 2-4 March in Brussels, the COMECE Bishops dedicated a day to the theme of EU as a peace project. They used this occasion to discuss Peace and Security Policies. After the unification of Europe, which was in itself a project of peace and reconciliation, the Bishops emphasised the vocation of the EU to build peace in the world. In … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

Luncheon debate : The Dangers of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems

Autonomous lethal weapon systems represent one of the greatest challenges to the peaceful co-existence of peoples. They are not just highly problematic from the viewpoint of international law. They may also have a destabilising impact on security policy. However, above all their use raises major ethical questions. During the lunch debate, two distinguished experts will discuss the risks of lethal autonomous weapon systems and present … Continue reading »

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

News

Christians in the Arab World: One year after the Arab Spring

To what extent is the ‘Arab Spring’ meeting the demands for more liberal values such as democracy and human rights? Will the diverse communities and cultures be respected? These were some of the questions raised during a half-day seminar on Wednesday 9 May, which was co-organised by the EPP and ECR political groups together with COMECE. Witnesses hailing from different parts of the Middle East … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

Faith leaders and EU Institutions are ready to join forces to advance democratisation and peace in the southern Mediterranean

The Arab Spring was at the heart of this year’s annual summit meeting of European Faith leaders with the Presidents of the EU Institutions. This was the seventh such high-level meeting which took place at the invitation of President José Manuel Barroso and was co-chaired by Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament and Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council. Having experienced a … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

The COMECE Bishops welcome the Arab Spring as a sign of hope

After decades of diplomatic deadlock and conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, the COMECE Bishops now see in the Arab Spring a clear sign of hope. The popular uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and other Arab countries represent a legitimate claim for freedom and human dignity for millions of people. This is the main message of the Spring Plenary Assembly of COMECE, which … Continue reading »