Category Archives: Policy Areas

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Invitation

“EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief. What’s next?”

COMECE and the EPP Group organise a Conference in the European Parliament titled “EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief. What’s next?” The main objective of the event is to provide a platform to discuss religious and intercultural aspects of different EU policy areas. In June 2013, the Council adopted the “EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief” … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

NEWS

Audiovisual media services: positive steps but stronger child protection still needed

The current EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive governs EU coordination of national legislation on all audiovisual media, both traditional TV broadcasts and on-demand services. In a vote on 25 March, the Culture & Education Committee of the European Parliament voted in favour of maintaining in the revised Directive all references to the “moral” development of minors with regard to contents that may impair it. COMECE … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

NEWS

The European Solidarity Corps needs a dedicated budget

COMECE supports the general idea of creating a European Solidarity Corps, but encourages the EU to quickly provide an own funding line and to develop a wider strategy on volunteering. In December 2016, the EU Commission launched the European Solidarity Corps, which enables young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to take part in solidarity activities. Although more than 24,000 participants have already … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

NEWS

Fostering resilience for sustainable peace

COMECE together with Justice&Peace Europe and Pax Christi International submitted a contribution to the forthcoming Joint Communication from the EU High Representative and the European Commission on resilience. The contribution entitled “Fostering resilience for sustainable peace” provides reflections and 10 concrete proposals for implementing resilience – one of EU’s strategic priorities. While welcoming the prioritisation of resilience in EU’s Global Strategy, the COMECE contribution puts … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Presidents of CEC-COMECE meet, discuss future of Europe and dialogue with President Juncker

Cardinal Marx, president of COMECE, and Rt Rev. Christopher Hill KCVO, DD, president of the Conference of European Churches met on 31 March to strengthen the ecumenical commitment of the Church to the European project, in whatever new ways are appropriate in light of current challenges. They were also received on this day by Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, as part of … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

NEWS

COMECE contributes to the EU consultation on VAT rates

COMECE stresses that clear and fraud-proof Value Added Tax (VAT) rules are crucial for the functioning of the European single market, but that simplifying these rules should not take place to the detriment of the objective of a just and equitable tax system. The consultation is part of the VAT Action Plan of the European Commission. It aims to reduce complexity of VAT rules with … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Reactions of Cardinal Marx on Pope Francis’ speech to the Heads of State and Government of the EU

Pope Francis received the Heads of State and Government of 27 EU Member States on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. In his speech, he called on them to discern “the paths of hope, identifying specific ways forward to ensure that the significant steps taken thus far have not been wasted, but serve as the pledge of a long and … Continue reading »