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

News

Latin American community leaders in dialogue with the EU at COMECE

A delegation of religious, indigenous and youth community leaders from five Latin American countries visited the COMECE Secretariat on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, to engage in a dialogue with EU policy-makers and representatives of faith-based organisations. Focus: impact of mining on local communities, and perspectives for a people-centred, just and sustainable transition. Photo Gallery COMECE hosted a delegation of nine religious, indigenous and youth community … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

STATEMENT | A heartfelt appeal for peace in the Holy Land and all the Middle East

In light of the tragic anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks on the Israeli people, and in the face of the exceptionally grave humanitarian crisis in the region, alongside the dangerous Middle Eastern political dynamics involving an increasing number of actors, COMECE issues the following statement from its President, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, on Thursday, 3 October 2024. Download the Statement “On behalf of … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Plenary Assembly, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE bishops in Łomża support EU future enlargements: “A strong message of hope for citizens seeking peace and justice”

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the 2004 major enlargement of the European Union, the bishops of COMECE, gathered in Łomża (Poland) for their Spring Assembly from April 17-19, 2024, adopted the statement ‘Let us continue building Europe together’. The bishops support the prospect of future enlargements: “It is not only a geopolitical necessity for stability in our continent, but a strong message … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press, Youth policies

News

Delegation of the Mediterranean Youth Council visits COMECE, meets with EP President Metsola

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomed a delegation from the Mediterranean Youth Council on Wednesday, 3 April 2024. This visit was part of the Council’s official two-day tour of the EU institutions in Brussels, which included a meeting with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. Interview with Mgr. Crociata | Video interview with Mgr. Crociata |Video interview with … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Interview

Mgr. Crociata on the war in Ukraine: “We must hope that the diplomatic initiative unfolds in all directions and with the full breadth it can muster”

On the occasion of the 2nd anniversary of Russia’s brutal military attack against Ukraine, the President of EU Bishops, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, speaks with the press, sharing his concerns and making an appeal for peace. Interview EN – IT “The European Union has moved together since the beginning, although along the way, its unity has shown cracks. We must hope that the diplomatic initiative … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

STATEMENT | COMECE and CIDSE urge Council to adopt Due Diligence Directive

In anticipation of the imminent vote by the Council of the EU on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, 2024, COMECE and CIDSE jointly issue the following Statement. Together, they urge the governments of EU Member States to promptly adopt the compromise text resulting from the political trialogue negotiations held last December. “Now more than ever, we need mandatory … Continue reading »