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
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
18/01/2024
Mgr. Crociata and Mgr. Hoogenboom’s speeches during Article 17 High-Level EU-religious leaders meeting at the European Commission [EN]
News
Former COMECE intern Marina Oliveira receives prestigious human rights award
We are happy to announce that Marina Paula Oliveira, Brazilian human rights defender and former COMECE intern, was awarded the “Prix des droits de l’Homme 2023”, a prestigious award given by the French government to people who, often at the risk of their lives, defend the environment and human rights. Watch the video interview | Photo Gallery Marina Paula Oliveira is a 28-year-old woman from … Continue reading
Press Release
EU Enlargement, COMECE President welcomes historic decision of the European Council
Commenting on yesterday’s decision of the European Council regarding EU enlargement, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, issues the following statement, on Friday 15 December 2023. “On behalf of the Bishops of the European Union, I wish to congratulate Ukraine and Moldova on the historic decisions taken yesterday by the European Council on the opening of EU accession negotiations, as well as Georgia for … Continue reading
News
Development: COMECE welcomes EP recognition of the role of faith-based actors in education
In a Report adopted today, 13 December 2023, the European Parliament highlights the opportunities of engaging with local faith-based organisations in the educational sector and calls for stronger partnerships with these stakeholders. COMECE welcomes the Parliament’s prioritisation of education and training in EU’s development cooperation and appreciates its recognition of the valuable role of faith-based actors in this regard. In the Report “EU development cooperation … Continue reading
Press Release
Assembly adopts declaration calling on the EU to offer a renewed vision for justice and peace
The Bishops of the European Union, gathered in Brussels for the 2023 Autumn COMECE Plenary Assembly, adopt a statement on peace in the context of the serious deterioration of international security, on Friday 10 November 2023. EU Bishops: “We call on Europe to offer a renewed vision for justice and peace”. Read the declaration [EN – IT – FR – CZ] Bishops express their deep … Continue reading
10/11/2023
Declaration of the COMECE Assembly on peace in Europe and the world [EN – FR – IT – CZ]
27/10/2023
COMECE President Mgr. Crociata on “Mediterraneo e Europa” [IT]
News
Day of Prayer, Fasting and Penance for Peace in the Holy Land on October 27
COMECE joins Pope Francis’ call to a day of Prayer, Fasting and Penance for Peace in the Holy Land and in the rest of the world, on Friday 27 October 2023. In the context of the devastating wave of violence unfolding in the Holy Land, Pope Francis invites “the various Christian confessions, members of other religions, and all who hold the cause of peace in … Continue reading