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.

Press Release

🔴 COMECE expresses strong concerns over the EU Court Advocate General’s Opinion on erasure from baptismal registers

On Monday, 5 October 2026, the Secretariat of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) expressed concern about the initial indications emerging from the Court of Justice of the European Union case C-12/25, Bisdom Gent, concerning the erasure of personal data from baptismal registers, following the Opinion delivered on 1 October. The non-binding Opinion of the EU Court’s Advocate General considers … Continue reading »

Press Release

COMECE Presidency in Metz for Pope Leo XIV’s address on Europe’s roots and future

The COMECE Presidency, led by its President, H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata, was in Metz on Monday, 28 September 2026, on the occasion of Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to France. Video | Pope’s speech | Card. Aveline’s speech In this historic city at the heart of Europe, in a region marked by suffering and reconciliation and closely associated with Robert Schuman, one of the founding … Continue reading »

Invitation

EVENT | COMECE draws attention to the “Premières rencontres européennes des Bernardins” conference

COMECE is pleased to draw attention to the conference “Premières rencontres européennes des Bernardins”, an important gathering dedicated to reflecting on the future of Europe and the values underpinning the European project. The event will take place on Saturday, 12 September 2026, from 08:15 to 18:45 at the Collège des Bernardins, 20 rue de Poissy, 75005 Paris, France. COMECE document | More info The event … Continue reading »