Category Archives: International Religious Freedom
COMECE supports an ambitious and coherent human rights’ policy based on the transcendent dignity of every human being.
While embracing the vision that the fundamental and inalienable right to religious freedom is the cornerstone of all human rights, it supports the view that EU decision-makers and officers should pay special attention to this fundamental right, in particular in its external relations.
To promote religious freedom and more generally, peace, justice and liberty, COMECE is also involved in ecumenical, intercultural and interreligious dialogues.
Press Release
COMECE Spring Assembly in Cyprus: EU bishops call for peace, dialogue and renewed EU engagement
On the occasion of the Spring Plenary Assembly of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), held in Nicosia from 22 to 24 April 2026 in the context of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the delegated bishops adopted a declaration addressing the worrying crises shaping the international landscape, with particular attention to the wars and instability … Continue reading
24/04/2026
Peace Declaration issued by the COMECE Assembly in Cyprus [EN – IT – DE – ES – FR – SK – PT – NL]
16/04/2026
COMECE Secretariat’s contribution to the priorities of Cyprus’ EU Presidency [EN]
Press Release
COMECE congratulates Mairead McGuinness on appointment as EU Special Envoy for FoRB
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) congratulates Mairead McGuinness on her appointment as EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union, announced today, Thursday 26 March 2026. “COMECE knows Ms McGuinness well and has had the privilege of working closely with her during her time as a Member of the European Parliament, … Continue reading
News
COMECE contributes to interreligious dialogue on Europe’s shared values during Lent and Ramadan
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) participated in the conference ‘Interreligious Dialogue on the Universal Values of Europe’, held at the European Parliament, Brussels, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, by the EPP Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue and the European Muslim Leaders Council (EULEMA). The event featured contributions, among others, from EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner (responsible for Internal … Continue reading
02/12/2025
COMECE General Secretary’s Speech during Article 17 dialogue meeting on MFF 2028–2034 [EN]
News
COMECE praises European Parliament’s red lighting in support of persecuted faithful around the world
On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, parts of the Brussels seat of the European Parliament were illuminated in red, a gesture of significant symbolic value. The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomed the initiative, promoted by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) as part of global campaign ‘Red Wednesday’, calling it “an important sign of solidarity with persecuted Christians around … Continue reading
06/10/2025
Statement of the EU bishops urging appointment of EU Special Envoy for Religious Freedom [EN – IT – ES – FR – DE – PL – SK – HU]
Press Release
STATEMENT | European bishops urge appointment of EU Special Envoy for Religious Freedom
The bishops of the European Union concluded their Autumn Assembly, held in Brussels from 1 to 3 October 2025, with a letter addressed to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, advocating the reinstatement of an EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union. Statement [EN – FR – DE – IT – ES – HU – … Continue reading