Category Archives: Justice & Fundamental Rights


Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights are the values on which the European Union is founded.
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU is the fundamental text of reference for Union policies and initiatives.
COMECE closely follows policies related to justice and fundamental rights in areas such as equality and non-discrimination, data protection, family matters, rights of the child, child protection and EU citizenship.
COMECE is of the view that fundamental rights must have a clear and objective concept of human dignity as their basis, that the focus must be on the ethical implications of EU policies and legislation, and that considerations must be given to the way these latter may impact on the activities of the Church.
COMECE is assisted in this mission by a Legal Affairs Commission.

News

COMECE Secretary General visits Dutch Bishops’ Conference to promote dialogue and collaboration

On Tuesday 11 November, the Dutch Bishops’ Conference welcomed Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, Secretary General of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), for an in-depth exchange about COMECE’s activities, its dialogue with the EU institutions, and its recent contributions to the EU policy-making process. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss some of COMECE’s most impactful initiatives and highlighted … Continue reading »

News

New DBK bishop delegate to COMECE visits Brussels for high-level dialogue meetings on peace, democracy, sustainability and AI

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) warmly welcomed Bishop Heiner Wilmer SCJ as the new delegate of the German Bishops’ Conference to the COMECE Assembly. On 2–3 July 2025, Bishop Wilmer visited Brussels for a dialogue mission during which COMECE facilitated a series of meetings with representatives of European institutions and Catholic organisations. Video interview with Mgr. Wilmer Appointed in … Continue reading »

Press Release

DOCUMENT | COMECE contributes to the future EC initiative ‘European Democracy Shield’

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) publishes today, Friday, 20 June 2025, its recent contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the ‘European Democracy Shield’. Download the COMECE contribution Democracies in the EU are facing significant challenges. The European Commission has recorded a rise in threats from both internal and foreign actors, taking various forms including foreign information manipulation … Continue reading »

Press Release

🇵🇱🇪🇺 Polish EU Presidency | European Churches meet with Minister for EU Affairs Adam Szłapka

A delegation from the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) met with H.E. Mr Adam Szłapka, Polish Minister for European Union Affairs, in Warsaw. The meeting took place on Monday, 7 April 2025, in the context of Poland’s ongoing Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Download COMECE-CEC Joint Contribution | Photo Gallery … Continue reading »