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 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 »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

News

Video of the Conference “Towards a new model for companies in Europe” is now online

The video of the conference “Towards a new model for companies in Europe” is now online on our YouTube channel. If you did not have the opportunity to attend the event, click here to watch the video! The video offers a reflection on new inclusive business models in Europe, taking inspiration from the experience of the Spanish corporation Mondragon. The conference took place in Brussels … Continue reading »

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

News

The European Sunday Alliance advocates for including fight against loneliness in the EU agenda

The European Sunday Alliance held on Wednesday 26 April 2023 a Breakfast event in the European Parliament on the topic “Work and loneliness: Quality resting time for an improved mental health of workers”. Participants discussed the need for flexibility in the labour market in a post-Covid context, while securing a synchronised weekly day of rest. The discussion highlighted that a common day of rest would decrease loneliness, improve mental … Continue reading »

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

Webnews

Swedish EU Presidency | COMECE participates in high-level meeting on loneliness held by Minister Forssmed

COMECE participated in the first high-level meeting on loneliness in the European Union. The event was held in Stockholm on 20-21 April 2023 by the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU. COMECE General Secretary Fr. Barrios Prieto: “Promoting community life is key to address loneliness”. Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), … Continue reading »