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, Plenary Assembly, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Assembly adopts declaration calling on the EU to offer a renewed vision for justice and peace

The Bishops of the European Union, gathered in Brussels for the 2023 Autumn COMECE Plenary Assembly, adopt a statement on peace in the context of the serious deterioration of international security, on Friday 10 November 2023. EU Bishops: “We call on Europe to offer a renewed vision for justice and peace”. Read the declaration [EN – IT – FR – CZ] Bishops express their deep … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

Day of Prayer, Fasting and Penance for Peace in the Holy Land on October 27

COMECE joins Pope Francis’ call to a day of Prayer, Fasting and Penance for Peace in the Holy Land and in the rest of the world, on Friday 27 October 2023. In the context of the devastating wave of violence unfolding in the Holy Land, Pope Francis invites “the various Christian confessions, members of other religions, and all who hold the cause of peace in … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

PRESS RELEASE

COMECE President assures Jerusalem Patriarch of EU Bishops’ closeness and support

The President of EU Bishops Mgr. Crociata addressed a letter to Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pizzaballa on Thursday, 19 October 2023, expressing solidarity and closeness with all the people suffering from the devastating wave of violence unfolding in the Holy Land. COMECE: “We will continue appealing to the EU to make every effort to contribute to a de-escalation of the situation”. Read the letters … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

STATEMENT | “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!”

In the context of the current dramatic and devastating events unfolding in the Holy Land, the President of the Bishops of the European Union, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, releases the following statement. Download the Statement “I am filled with deep sorrow and worry by the ongoing reports from the Holy Land, following the massive attacks from Gaza targeting innocent civilians in Israel and the escalating … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

In Veritate Award given to EP President Metsola for her achievements in combining Christian and European values

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, was awarded with the “2023 In Veritate Award” on Friday 29, September 2023. Fr. Barrios Prieto: “Your commitment to democracy, to Christian values and to advance the process of European integration is an example for many”. Videos: Ceremony | President Metsola’s Speech   The awarding ceremony was held in the context of the XXIII International Krakow Conference … Continue reading »