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

Churches meet with Finnish Presidency

As Finland assumes the Presidency of the European Union for the coming six months, a Delegation on behalf of the Churches met on Friday 30th June with the Finnish Foreign Affairs Minister Mr.Erkki Tuomioja and officials from the Ministries of Education and Labour. The Delegation was led by the Archbishop of Turku, his Excellency Jukka Paarma (Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland). Other … Continue reading »

Press Release

Representatives of the Churches and religions met with Commission President Barroso

Yesterday the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso met with a group of leaders and representatives of the Christian Churches, Judaism and Islam in Brussels, after which they issued a joint statement. In light of the recent terror attacks in London, all of the participants highlighted the barbarity of these attacks and denounced the use of religion as a justification for such actions. … Continue reading »

News

Statement on the terrorist attacks in London

The Executive Committee of COMECE wish to offer their sincere condolences, support and prayers to the British people following the terrorist attacks on the London transport system on Thursday morning. Europe has once again fallen victim to perpetrators of fear and destruction who have targeted vulnerable, ordinary people seeking to live their everyday lives in a free and fair society. Yet the values and spirit … Continue reading »

News

Bishops call upon politicians to re-elevate the citizen to the core of the European Union

During the Executive Committee of COMECE which gathered in Rome from 9-10 June, the Bishops reflected upon the current situation in the European Union and subsequently issued a statement which will be sent to Prime Minister Juncker in the run up to the European Council gathering from 16-17 June in Brussels. Following on from an initial statement issued by Mgr Treanor, COMECE Secretary General, on … Continue reading »