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.
16/04/2026
COMECE Secretariat’s contribution to the priorities of Cyprus’ EU Presidency [EN]
News
OPPORTUNITY | European Summer School 2026: Applications now open
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), in collaboration with the University Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) and the Institute for the Global Common Good (IBCG), will organise the third edition of the European Summer School from 29 June to 3 July 2026 at the historic monastery Oude Abdij Drongen, located just outside Ghent, Belgium. Info & Application Under the theme “Rebirth … Continue reading
30/03/2026
COMECE President Mgr Crociata’s message ahead of Easter 2026 [EN – IT]
Press Release
Message by the President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, ahead of Easter 2026
On Monday, 30 March 2026, the President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), Mgr Mariano Crociata, wishes to share a message in view of the forthcoming celebration of Easter, in a context marked by growing conflicts and tensions, renewing the call for the European Union to promote peace, dialogue and solidarity among peoples. Read the message [EN – IT] … Continue reading
04/03/2026
Statement of the COMECE President Mgr. Crociata on new wave of violence in the Middle East [EN – SK]
Press Release
COMECE President Mgr Crociata expresses concern over Middle East escalation and calls on the EU to relaunch diplomacy
In a short statement released on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, the President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata, expresses deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in Iran and across the Middle East, and calls on the EU and its Member States to promote de-escalation and relaunch diplomatic efforts. Read the Statement: EN | … Continue reading
Press Release
🙏🇺🇦 INITIATIVE | Prayer for Ukraine on 24 February
To mark the fourth tragic anniversary of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), together with the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, invites all people of goodwill to join in prayer for the people of Ukraine on Tuesday, 24th February 2026. This call echoes the repeated invitations of Pope Leo XIV to “support with prayer … Continue reading
News
APPEAL | “Christians for Europe”: four Bishops’ Conferences issue appeal for a renewed European vision
On Friday, 13 February 2026, the presidents of four European Bishops’ Conferences released a joint appeal entitled “Christians for Europe. The Power of Hope”, calling for a renewed rediscovery of Europe’s soul and its contribution to the common good at a time marked by conflict, division and uncertainty. Read the Appeal: IT – DE – FR – PL The bishops stress that Europe must not … Continue reading