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.
News
VIDEO | Debate “Europe, Church, Ecumenism in times of turmoil”
The full video recording of the debate “Europe, Church, Ecumenism in Times of Turmoil” is now available on YouTube. The conference took place on Sunday, 7 April 2025, in the context of the COMECE-CEC delegation’s meeting with Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Watch the video The event featured contributions from: Manuel Enrique Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of the Commission of the … Continue reading
28/03/2025
Declaration of the EU bishops: “Looking to Europe with hope” [EN]
Press Release
COMECE assesses EC proposed ‘First Omnibus package’
In view of the upcoming inter-institutional negotiations on the ‘First Omnibus package’ proposal published by the European Commission, COMECE presents its assessment and comments in a document issued on Thursday, 20 March 2025, emphasising that the proposed amendments should not distort or neutralise the EU’s landmark sustainability laws. Download Document The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) acknowledges the efforts to … Continue reading
19/03/2025
COMECE assesses EC First Omnibus package’ proposal [EN]
04/03/2025
Declaration of the Presidency of COMECE in support of Ukraine and its people [EN-FR-DE-IT-ES-SL-PL]
Press Release
STATEMENT | EU bishops call for European unity and solidarity with Ukraine amid geopolitical uncertainty
In the context of increasing complexity and geopolitical uncertainty surrounding peace in Ukraine, the Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) issued a statement on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, expressing strong support for Ukraine. COMECE: “Ukraine’s struggle for peace will also be decisive for the fate of Europe and the world”. Download the Statement: EN | FR | DE … Continue reading
News
COMECE shares concerns for the dignity and presence of the people of Gaza
In the wake of the ongoing tragedy unfolding in the Holy Land, particularly in the Gaza Strip, COMECE echoes the humanitarian plea issued on Friday, 14 February 2025, by the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem. The local Christian leaders express their concern about the “grave threat of mass displacements” and call for the “protection of the dignity and presence of the people … Continue reading
19/02/2025
Statement of the COMECE President Mgr. Crociata on the current situation in Syria [EN]
12/02/2025
Statement of Mgr. Mariano Crociata on situation in Goma and DRC [EN – FR]