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 and its partners share key messages in view of the upcoming EU-CELAC Summit

In the run-up to the EU-CELAC Summit taking place next week, COMECE, together with CELAM, Caritas Europa and Caritas LAC, launches on Tuesday 11 July 2023 a series of short videos advocating for a people-centered and just partnership between the two regions. COMECE President Mgr. Crociata: “The Summit should be also an opportunity to promote a culture of encounter and peace.”  In view of the … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE joins a global faith leaders appeal for a robust EU due diligence law

COMECE joins on Wednesday 5 July 2023 the appeal of faith leaders across the world urging for a strong EU due diligence legislation. General Secretary Fr. Barrios Prieto: “It would be an important step towards a sustainable economy that serves people and respects the planet”. Read the Statement The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) supports the statement endorsed by more … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

ECUMENISM | COMECE President Mgr. Crociata greets the 2023 CEC General Assembly in Tallinn

The President of COMECE, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, greeted the participants of the 2023 General Assembly of the Conference of European Churches in Tallinn (Estonia) on Sunday, 18 June 2023. Crociata: “As the tragic war against Ukraine rages on, common understandings and projects are necessary to overcome conflict and create ways of reconciliation and peace”. Speech [EN – IT] Mgr. Mariano Crociata was invited to … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

Full video of the roundtable on EU-CELAC Summit is now available

In view of the upcoming EU-CELAC Summit, COMECE and its partners organised on Tuesday 6 June 2023 a public debate reflecting on ways to make the Summit an occasion to promote global justice and a partnership of equals. The President of COMECE, Mgr. Crociata: “the Summit and its follow-up represent a unique opportunity for a more fraternal world.”  Watch the full video The roundtable event … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Church and civil society organisations welcome the EP’s adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

The European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) and Pax Christi International welcome the European Parliament’s adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive on Friday, 2 June 2023. Download ELSiA Press Release In a statement, the Alliance welcomes the adoption of the Directive, remaining “hopeful that the proposed text will be supported and strengthened in the course of the inter-institutional dialogue due to start next week”. … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE and CEC Presidents share a joint message for Pentecost

To mark the occasion of Pentecost, considering the impact of war in Ukraine, resulting in horrific physical, material and spiritual suffering, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata and Rev. Christian Krieger, respectively presidents of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), issue the following message on Friday, 26 May 2023. Download the message Since the … Continue reading »