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

What are the priorities for funding peace-building in 2017?

COMECE participated in a consultation of the civil society with the EU Commission organised by The European Peacebuilding Liaison Office, a platform of NGOs on the 2017 programming of the EU financial Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace. The discussion mainly focused on preventing violent extremism, strengthening the role of civil society in the security sector and the importance of peace education. With regard to … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

NEWS

Sudan: Visit of Bishop Gassis to the EU

COMECE received H.E. Macram Max Gassis, Bishop emeritus of the Diocese El Obeid in Sudan. The Bishop came to Brussels to draw attention to the suffering of the Nuba people. He called on the EU to contribute to a peaceful and just settlement of the ongoing conflict. In concrete terms, Mgr Gassis demanded the cessation of aerial bombings, the opening of relief corridors and that … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

NEWS

Reconciliation in Iraq?

COMECE participated in a Round Table at the EU Parliament on “Expectations and challenges to Iraqi National Reconciliation” organised by the Community of Sant’Egidio. Mgr Louis Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldean, asked the EU to support creation of reconciliation mechanisms and to prepare the post DAESH reconstruction through a roadmap involving all relevant actors.

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE: British and Irish Bishops on Brexit

During their Plenary Assembly, the COMECE Bishops had an exchange on the outcome and consequences of the referendum in the United Kingdom. Bishop William Kenney, delegate of the England and Wales Bishops’ Conference, explained that since the outcome of the Brexit referendum ‘there is very little clarity as to what is going to happen or what consequences will ensue.’ He said he believes the Church … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

NEWS

Europe’s Security: which responsibilities, which freedom?

This years’ International Workshop and General Assembly of Justice & Peace Europe held under the chairmanship of its President Mgr Jean-Claude Hollerich in Luxembourg explored the challenges of security facing Europe today in dialogue with representatives of politics, the military, EU institutions, civil society and the Church, including the General Secretary of COMECE. In their final declaration, the participants called to “build bridges of justice … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Reaction of Cardinal Marx on TTIP

Regarding the recent debate around the pursuit of the TTIP negotiations, Cardinal Marx, the President of COMECE, said that “stopping the TTIP negotiations would not solve the current problems. A just global economic order requires common rules. The TTIP could be a way to achieve this goal”. COMECE reminds of the common position adopted last June by the Bishops of the EU and the US. … Continue reading »

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 »