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

Press Release

European Catholic Social Days: “we have walked together, we have been in a real process of synodality”

“In Bratislava we have been in a real process of synodality. It is by continuing to walk together that we shall see where the spirit of God is leading us”, stated Cardinal Hollerich at the conclusion of the European Catholic Social Days on Sunday 20 March 2022. The next edition will be held in 2027. After three days of intense debate on the challenges posed … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

European Catholic Social Days on technological & ecological transitions

The second day of the European Catholic Social Days, Saturday 19 March 2022, was devoted to the theme of digital and ecological transition processes. “Every effort to protect and improve our world entails profound changes in “lifestyles, models of production and consumption”. H.E. Mgr. Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture, delivered the first keynote speech of the day, addressing participants on new … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

Consecration and entrustment of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. European Bishops accept Pope Francis’ invitation

From Bratislava, where the 3rd edition of the European Catholic Social Days is taking place, the Presidents of COMECE, CCEE and Slovak Bishops’ Conference joyfully welcome Pope Francis’ invitation to Bishops around the world and their priests to join him in praying for peace and in consecrating and entrusting Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Read the Statement (EN – IT – … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

European Catholic Social Days | Pope Francis addresses the participants

Pope Francis addressed the participants of the 3rd edition of the European Catholic Social Days on Friday 18 March 2022, thanking Church actors for the “prompt and coordinated response in coming to the aid” of the refugees from Ukraine. Read the message of Pope Francis On the occasion of the opening session of the 3rd edition of the European Catholic Days held in Bratislava on … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

The European Catholic Social Days to start this evening in Bratislava

The European Catholic Social Days start today 17 March 2022 in Bratislava, gathering more than two-hundred participants from all over Europe to discuss some of the most pressuring social challenges in European societies. Pope Francis and the President of the Slovak Republic will address the audience. Download the programme Following the first two editions in Gdansk and Madrid, this year the initiative is hosted in … Continue reading »

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

News

Green Deal: Final Report of the Interfaith Youth Convention is now online

The final report of the Interfaith Youth Convention on the European Green Deal is now available online. The document sets out the 21 proposals that young people of different religious traditions have put forward and developed with the hope of seeing them reflected in the European Green Deal. Download the Report In October and November 2021, over 100 young Europeans, aged 18 to 35, delegated … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

ESA calls EU leaders to establish a European weekly common day of rest

The European Sunday Alliance calls on political leaders to establish a European weekly common day of rest. “It strengthens the social cohesion of our communities, and it is indispensable to recover and to ensure both a better wellbeing and productivity of workers”, says the Alliance in a statement released on Wednesday 3 March 2022. Download the Statement On the occasion of the International Day for … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

Bratislava, 17-20 March: European Catholic Social Days

The 3rd edition of the European Catholic Social Days will be held on 17-20 March 2022 in Bratislava. The event aims to promote dialogue on social justice within the Church and among Europeans in a context marked by demographic imbalances, technological disruption and ecological injustices. Journalists can now request accreditation. The initiative will gather 200 delegates from every corner of Europe. Participants will include Church … Continue reading »