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

COMECE to the European Council: “renew your efforts for peace in Ukraine and implement a credible EU enlargement process”

In a statement released on Friday 17 June 2022, COMECE urges the European leaders gathering for the upcoming European Council to “renew their efforts for peace in Ukraine and to implement a credible EU enlargement process.”  Read the Statement In the context of the ongoing geopolitical shifts dramatically accelerated by the Russian invasion against Ukraine, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

EU Military Bishops in Brussels discuss perspectives for peace

As part of its mission of dialogue with the EU institutions, COMECE gathered EU Military Bishops and experts of the Military Ordinariates on Wednesday 1 June 2022 to exchange on the current and emerging security challenges in Europe. Following the first meeting held in 2019, Military Ordinaries from EU Member States gathered at the COMECE Secretariat to meet with EU officials and national representatives to … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EuropeDay 2022 | EU Bishops: “peace and stronger citizens’ participation”

On Monday 9 May 2022, on Europe Day, COMECE President Cardinal Hollerich praises the Conference on the Future of Europe and expresses hopes for further initiatives promoting citizens’ participation in shaping the EU. The Cardinal restates the Catholic Church’s commitment to continue being a faithful and honest companion of the EU project. On future EU membership: “Ukraine and all other European countries that have applied, … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

European Church leaders send letter to Putin and Zelenskyy calling for an Easter ceasefire in Ukraine

COMECE and CEC Presidents, H.Em. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ and Rev. Christian Krieger, sent a letter addressed to the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday 11 April 2022, calling for an Easter ceasefire in Ukraine from midnight on 17 April until midnight on 24 April. Letter to Putin and Zelenskyy | Letter to Patriarch Kirill | Video from the … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release, 08/04/2022

Leaders of EU Churches at the Polish-Ukrainian border call for peace and reconciliation

The Presidents of COMECE and CEC issue a special Easter message from the Polish-Ukrainian border on Friday 8 April 2022, invoking prayer and action for peace in Ukraine and beyond. “Let us continue to pray and work for justice, reconciliation and peace between people, cultures, nations.” Easter Message | Video| Photos H.Em. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ and Rev. Christian Krieger, Presidents of the Commission of … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

War in Ukraine: Response of the Moscow Patriarchate to the COMECE letter 

Following the letter addressed to Moscow Patriarch Kirill from H. Em. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, President of COMECE, earlier in March 2022, we share the response provided by H. Em. Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate department for external church relations. Click here to read or download the letter (RU – EN)

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

Consecration and entrustment of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. European Bishops accept Pope Francis’ invitation

From Bratislava, where the 3rd edition of the European Catholic Social Days is taking place, the Presidents of COMECE, CCEE and Slovak Bishops’ Conference joyfully welcome Pope Francis’ invitation to Bishops around the world and their priests to join him in praying for peace and in consecrating and entrusting Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Read the Statement (EN – IT – … Continue reading »