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.
Ethics, Research & Health, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

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 »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

DOCUMENT | COMECE publishes position paper on erasure from baptismal registers

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) publishes on Friday, 4 September 2026 a position paper on key legal aspects in view of case C-12/25 Bisdom Gent, currently before the Court of Justice of the European Union. The document contributes to the public debate on the erasure of entries from baptismal registers in relation to EU data protection legislation. Download the … Continue reading »

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

Press Release

🇪🇺🇨🇮 Irish EU Presidency | European Churches meet with Prime Minister Micheál Martin

A delegation from the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) met Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin on Thursday, 9 July 2026, in the context of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Download the COMECE-CEC Joint Contribution [EN]  The delegation was led by H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, Bishop of Latina, President … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

“Artificial Intelligence must serve the human person”, COMECE stresses at Article 17 TFEU Seminar

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) participated in the Article 17 TFEU Seminar, “Health and Well-being in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Communities Tackling Isolation and Digital Risks”, held at the European Parliament on 9 June 2026. Read Prof. Agius’ speech Hosted by MEP Antonella Sberna, Vice-President of the European Parliament and responsible for Article 17 of the Treaty on … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE contributes to EU public consultation on the revision of the Audiovisual media services directive

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the revision of the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive. Published on Thursday, 4 June 2026, the document places particular emphasis on the protection of children in the digital environment, especially against exposure to violence and pornography. Read the Contribution The document highlights the risks … Continue reading »