07/06/2021
Public consultation on hate speech and hate crime (EN)
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: “national level is best placed to fight against hate crimes”
In a recent contribution to a public consultation of the European Commission on Fundamental Rights, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) condemns the grave phenomenon of hate crimes and reiterates the Church’s commitment to tackle it with effective policies. The European Commission has consulted stakeholders on the proposal to extend the crimes on which the EU can legislate, including hate … Continue reading
17/05/2021
COMECE contribution against Child sexual abuse online (EN)
News
COMECE contribution on fighting child sexual abuse online
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of European Union (COMECE) submitted on Wednesday 14 April 2021 a contribution to the EU Commission’s public consultation on Child sexual abuse online, stressing the need to reinforce EU legislation and policies to better protect children online. The European Commission is gearing up to propose legislation on tackling online child sexual abuse, also establishing a European Centre to prevent … Continue reading
14/04/2021
COMECE contribution on fighting child sexual abuse online (EN)
Press Release
EU Bishops address the President of the Parliament on the recent Resolution on abortion in Poland
The Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) addresses a letter to David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, with regard to the European Parliament Resolution of 26 November 2020 on abortion in Poland. In their letter, the EU Bishops emphasize once again that the Catholic Church, which seeks to support women in life situations arising from difficult or … Continue reading
News
COMECE Legal Affairs Commission addresses data protection and transparency policies
On Thursday 25 February 2021 the experts of the COMECE Legal Affairs Commission met online to exchange on EU and Member States’ legal developments affecting fundamental rights. Under the chairmanship of H.E. Mgr. Theodorus C. M. Hoogenboom, legal advisors mandated by Bishops’ Conferences discussed with representatives of the European Commission on two of the most current EU dossiers. With regard to the EU Directive on … Continue reading
22/01/2021
Statement of the President of COMECE on the erosion of Freedom of Religion in the EU Member States (EN)
Press Release
COMECE President concerned for the erosion of Freedom of Religion in the Member States
In a statement published on Friday 22, January 2021, the President of COMECE, H. Em. Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, expresses concerns for a draft law soon to be discussed in Denmark, that could impose undue hindrance on the fundamental right to freedom of religion by demanding sermons and homilies to be provided in the national language. While respecting national legislative processes, the Head of EU … Continue reading
Press Release
COMECE addresses the EU Commission on Covid-19 strategy – “It is crucial to maintain the dialogue with Churches”
On the occasion of the last 2020 meeting of the COMECE Standing Committee on Tuesday 15 December 2020, the Bishops also addressed the European Commission Strategy on “Staying safe from Covid-19 during winter”. While welcoming the efforts for a coordinated and sustainable EU approach against the current pandemic, COMECE urges the European institutions to consult with Churches and religious communities especially when considering recommendations that … Continue reading