Category Archives: Policy Areas

NEWS

European Labour “Authority”, a new agency to strengthen the rights of workers

COMECE welcomes the initiative of the European Commission to propose a European Labour “Authority” to strengthen the rights of almost 17 million European citizens working in another EU country. COMECE encourages the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to swiftly review the proposal allowing the institution to start working before the 2019 European elections. A European Labour “Authority” could play an important role. … Continue reading »

NEWS

COMECE holds meeting at the Parliament on the role of common free time for social, religious and civic engagement

COMECE, together with its partners of the European Sunday Alliance, organised at the European Parliament a panel debate on the role of common free time for social, religious and civic engagement and volunteering. The event, hosted by MEPs Evelyn Regner and Thomas Mann, highlighted the challenge of reconciling social commitment with increasingly flexibilised working schedules. Participants exchanged ideas, experiences and statistics, shaping a dialogue on … Continue reading »

NEWS

President of Burundese Bishops’ Conference visits COMECE

Mgr. Joachim Ntahondereye, Bishop of Muyinga (Burundi) and President of the Burundese Bishops’ Conference, visited COMECE in order to draw the attention of the European institutions to the political, social and economic challenges his country is currently facing. During his meeting with COMECE General Secretary, Mgr. Ntahondereye expressed his concern for the situation of young people in Burundi. According to the Bishop, the European Union … Continue reading »

NEWS

Agriculture between technological innovation and global responsibility

In the context of the 11th Forum for future development of Rural Areas, COMECE organised in Berlin a high-level panel of experts to find out how the Catholic Church can support and accompany farmers in times of fundamental changes of their work and their living conditions. Farmers and rural areas are under pressure due to high expectations. They are called to produce safe and high … Continue reading »

NEWS

COMECE organises an event on Digitalisation and Civic Engagement

Volunteering and social/civic engagement are fundaments of democratic societies. They strengthen social cohesion but deeply depend on the free time at disposal of the citizens. If the free time that could be invested for such important social activities will be scarcer, will Hashtag activism replace the ‘traditional’ ways of social and civic commitment? Will digitalisation undermine or facilitate civic engagement? And if the lack of … Continue reading »

Press Release

COMECE President expresses deep concern about criminalisation of circumcision

COMECE President Cardinal Reinhard Marx reacts to the ban on the circumcision on boys proposed in Iceland by members of the Parliament from five different political parties. “The proposed bill is a dangerous attack on freedom of religion”, states the Cardinal, urging the EU institutions to take action in order to prevent such a threat to fundamental rights. The bill suggests up to a six-year … Continue reading »

NEWS

DRC, calling on all actors to achieve peace and democracy

Six people were killed in Kinshasa on 21 January during demonstrations against delayed elections and the continuation of President Kabila’s mandate. Other 57 people were injured, and 111 were arrested across the country. According to the United Nations (UN), most of the victims were Catholic faithful who peacefully protested after attending Sunday Masses. Pope Francis appealed to authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) … Continue reading »

Press Release

COMECE Conference on “Promoting the Christian Heritage of Europe”

COMECE organised a conference on 31 of January in Brussels on the theme of “Promoting the Christian Heritage of Europe” as a contribution to the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018. “The Church has a spiritual dimension but it is also a key actor in developing culture – said Fr. Poquillon op, COMECE General Secretary. It is the oldest structure still existing in Europe based … Continue reading »

NEWS

Pope Francis calls on tackling fake news

Pope Francis released a message condemning “fake news”, saying that it’s a “sign of intolerant and hypersensitive attitudes, and leads only to the spread of arrogance and hatred”. In his message for the World Communications Day, the Holy Father highlighted the importance of Communication as “part of God’s plan for us and an essential way to experience fellowship”. He warned all media operators about the … Continue reading »

Invitation

COMECE conference in the European Year of Cultural Heritage. “Promoting the Christian Heritage of Europe”

Following the designation of 2018 as European Year of Cultural Heritage by the EU, COMECE organises the conference “Promoting the Christian Heritage of Europe”. The event will take place at COMECE Secretariat on Wednesday 31st of January 2018 from 9:30 to 16:30. The European Year of Cultural Heritage is a very positive initiative for Europe and it could represent an opportunity for the Church to … Continue reading »