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

Cardinal Marx on the attack on the parish church of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray

Statement of COMECE President Cardinal Reinhard Marx on the attack in Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray, France (26 July 2016): “The assassination in the French Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray is shocking. The faithful who had gathered for worship in a church became victims of a terrible act of violence. The intention of this act was to stir up hatred between religions. We will resist and will not let ourselves be led into … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Cardinal Marx on the terror attack in Nice

Statement of the President of COMECE, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, following the terror attack in Nice: “Last night, France has again been hit by a terrorist attack. More than 80 people were killed. We are shocked and saddened by this act of war. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their relatives and friends. I remain convinced that European civilization and the culture of freedom, … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE welcomes the new EU Global Strategy

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini presented yesterday to the European leaders at their Summit in Brussels the new Global Strategy for the EU´s Foreign and Security Policy. COMECE, who actively participated in the reflection process, welcomes the document and hopes for its proper and effective implementation. Despite a packed crisis agenda at the EU Summit, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini presented yesterday to the European … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Cardinal Marx on Brexit: “Time has come for Europe to look ahead”

Statement by Cardinal Reinhard Marx, President of COMECE following the referendum in the United Kingdom: “Last Thursday, the majority of British voters cast their votes in a referendum in favour of a withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. This decision of the British voters should of course be respected, even if we, as COMECE, find it extremely regrettable. The European Union is … Continue reading »

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

Press Release

Free trade demands a regulatory framework and ethical principles

US and EU Bishops present their common position on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) prior to the 14th round of negotiations. For the first time in their history, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) and the United States’ Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) publish a common position on a political theme, which is of primary importance for citizens … Continue reading »

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 »