Category Archives: Migration & Asylum

Migration and asylum are human rights issues. Frequently, individuals and families leave their places of origin or residence seeking an improvement in their living conditions or simply fleeing violence or war.
The current scale of the phenomenon at the EU borders is worrying, as are the tragedies and deaths that result from the desperation of migrants, many of them victims of criminal activities of smugglers and traffickers. Integration of migrants and asylum seekers is also a challenge.
The COMECE Secretariat works for the rights of migrants, refugees and hosting societies to be harmonised and respected in the EU for the sake of the common good in the Christian spirit of welcoming the stranger.
COMECE is assisted in this mission by a Working Group on Migration and Asylum.
EU External Affairs, Justice & Fundamental Rights, Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

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 »

Education & Culture, EU External Affairs, International Religious Freedom, Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press, Youth policies

News

Young Europeans gather in Belgium for the third edition of the European Summer School

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), in collaboration with the University Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) and the Institute for the Global Common Good (IBCG), successfully concluded the third edition of the European Summer School, held from 29 June to 3 July 2026 at the historic Oude Abdij Drongen, near Ghent, Belgium. Photo Gallery Under the theme ‘Rebirth or Irrelevance: Europe’s … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

STATEMENT | COMECE President reacts to European Parliament vote on the Return Regulation

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) publishes a statement by its President, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, in response to the vote held today, Wednesday 17 June 2026, in the European Parliament on the new Return Regulation, which complements the recently implemented Pact on Migration and Asylum. Read & Download the Statement In his statement, bishop Crociata acknowledges the legitimate responsibility … Continue reading »

Education & Culture, EU External Affairs, Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press, Youth policies

News

OPPORTUNITY | European Summer School 2026: Applications now open

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), in collaboration with the University Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) and the Institute for the Global Common Good (IBCG), will organise the third edition of the European Summer School from 29 June to 3 July 2026 at the historic monastery Oude Abdij Drongen, located just outside Ghent, Belgium. Info & Application Under the theme “Rebirth … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

European Parliament vote on return policies raises serious concerns about the EU’s commitment to its fundamental values

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), on Friday, 27 March 2026, expresses its deep concern following the recent vote of the European Parliament on new EU return policies in the field of migration. Download the Press Release [EN – IT – ES – FR] This vote signals a troubling political shift within the Parliament, enabling the emergence of new majorities … Continue reading »