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.

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 »

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 »

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 »

Press Release

COMECE 2015 Spring Plenary Assembly: “Europe needs to be a constructive actor for peace in the world»

At their Spring Plenary Assembly on 2-4 March in Brussels, the COMECE Bishops dedicated a day to the theme of EU as a peace project. They used this occasion to discuss Peace and Security Policies. After the unification of Europe, which was in itself a project of peace and reconciliation, the Bishops emphasised the vocation of the EU to build peace in the world. In … Continue reading »

News

Luncheon debate : The Dangers of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems

Autonomous lethal weapon systems represent one of the greatest challenges to the peaceful co-existence of peoples. They are not just highly problematic from the viewpoint of international law. They may also have a destabilising impact on security policy. However, above all their use raises major ethical questions. During the lunch debate, two distinguished experts will discuss the risks of lethal autonomous weapon systems and present … Continue reading »