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, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

Consecration and entrustment of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. European Bishops accept Pope Francis’ invitation

From Bratislava, where the 3rd edition of the European Catholic Social Days is taking place, the Presidents of COMECE, CCEE and Slovak Bishops’ Conference joyfully welcome Pope Francis’ invitation to Bishops around the world and their priests to join him in praying for peace and in consecrating and entrusting Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Read the Statement (EN – IT – … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Invitation

EVENT | Join webinar on EU mandatory due diligence legislation

In the context of the growing EU awareness about the possible negative impact of corporate activities on our human family and Common Home, COMECE, together with CIDSE and Iglesias y Minería invite you to participate in the event “But let justice roll-on like a river” to be held online on Thursday 24 March 2022 from 16:30 to 18:00 (CET). Click here to register This event … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EU Bishops’ President appeals on Moscow Patriarch Kirill: “intercede with Russia to stop the war in Ukraine”

The President of the EU Bishops, Cardinal Hollerich, addressed a letter to Moscow Patriarch Kirill on Tuesday 8 March 2022 asking him to issue an urgent appeal to Russian authorities to immediately stop the hostilities against the Ukrainian people. In the letter addressed to His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, the President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Statement

Cardinal Hollerich’s statement on the situation in Ukraine and in Europe

I am deeply worried by the latest reports of escalating military actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, opening up the alarming scenario of an armed conflict causing horrific human suffering, death and destruction. Today, peace on the whole European continent and beyond is facing a serious threat. On behalf of the Bishops of COMECE, I wish to reiterate our fraternal closeness and solidarity with the people … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE welcomes EU financial assistance to Ukraine

Following Cardinal Hollerich’s statement on the ongoing tensions at EU’s Eastern border, COMECE welcomes the adoption by the EU of €1.2 billion assistance to Ukraine to provide swift support in a situation of acute crisis and to strengthen the country’s resilience. The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomes the EU’s approval of an emergency macro-financial assistance operation of €1.2 billion … Continue reading »