Category Archives: Social & Economic Affairs

In 1957 the six founding nations of the European Economic Community set out to create a common market with a common competition and trade policy. This project remains central to the European Union.
Under the terms of the Maastricht Treaty a monetary union dimension was added to the project. Today, the Treaty of the European Union requires in art 3,3 the EU to become “a highly competitive social market economy”.
COMECE has welcomed the inclusion of this goal and recommended balancing responsibility and solidarity in the Euro zone.
The COMECE Secretariat follows socio-ethical questions raised by the process of European integration in the field of social and economic policy.
COMECE is assisted in this mission by a Commission on Social Affairs.
Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs, Youth policies

Event

EVENT | 30 Years of the Policoro Project at the European Parliament: countering youth unemployment through the contribution of the Church

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) encourages you to participate in the event “30 Years of the Policoro Project” to be held at the European Parliament on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30. Register now! The Policoro Project is an initiative of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI) launched in 1995 with the aim of promoting youth employment in … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

News

European Sunday Alliance welcomes EC initiative to explore legislative measures on fair telework and a right to disconnect

In a statement released on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, the European Sunday Alliance (ESA) welcomed the European Commission’s initiative to explore legislative measures on fair telework and the right to disconnect. Read the ESA opinion The Alliance called on the European Commission to “consider a regulation on the right to disconnect, either in addition to or in the form of a new Working Time Directive,” … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

VIDEO | COMECE participates in Article 17 TFEU Seminar on Housing in the EU

COMECE participated in the Article 17 TFEU Seminar on “Housing in the EU: Strategies for a Europe that Supports People, Families and Young Generations”, held at the European Parliament on Wednesday, 4 June 2025. The event was hosted by the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Antonella Sberna, who also serves as the EP responsible for the Article 17 dialogue. Full video recording | COMECE Contribution … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

European Sunday Alliance issues new Manifesto promoting a Work-free Sunday for all

In view of the European Day for a Work-free Sunday (3 March), the European Sunday Alliance (ESA) issues on Friday, 1 March 2024, a new manifesto stressing that “synchronised resting time is an effective tool to counter loneliness and highlights its importance for the mental health of workers”. Download the new Manifesto | Video campaign Furthermore, in the view of upcoming EU elections in June … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

News

“Economy should serve humanity and promote the dignity of every person”, says COMECE at EP conference on Social Market Economy

“The purpose of the economy is to serve humanity, not the other way around. It should promote the dignity of every person,” stated Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of COMECE, during the conference ‘A Social Market Economy that Cares’, hosted by the EPP Group at the European Parliament on Wednesday, 21 February 2024. Full video recording | Photo Gallery The conference focused on addressing … Continue reading »