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

Press Release

Matić Report: COMECE calls on MEPs to be aware of the importance and complexity of the issue and to vote with responsibility

The Secretariat of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) released a position paper on the ‘Matić Report’ on Thursday 17 June 2021, ahead of its final submission to the upcoming EU Parliament Plenary session. The Catholic Church recognises the importance of protecting the health and rights of women and calls on all MEPs to take into account the sensitive and … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

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 »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

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 »

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

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 »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

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 »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

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 »