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

News

Mgr. Hérouard at the European Parliament presents reflection paper on the Social Economy

COMECE presented its reflection paper on the Social Economy during a meeting held at the European Parliament on Tuesday 28 February 2023. The document includes concrete proposals that, if implemented, could develop the full potential of the Social Economy in all EU Member States. Read the document (EN – FR) H.E. Mgr. Antoine Hérouard, President of the COMECE Social Affairs Commission, presented the COMECE Reflection Paper … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

News

🎥 Conference on the European Care Strategy – Video now available

The video recording of the COMECE-FAFCE conference “The European Care Strategy: Responding to challenges faced by women in times of (post-)pandemic?” is now available online on the COMEC YouTube channel. Echoing the EU institutions’ assessment on the COVID-19 pandemic impact on women, COMECE and FAFCE organised this conference to learn from the concrete experience of women and to initiate positive changes for the post-pandemic recovery. … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

COMECE publishes its contribution to develop Social Economy

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) releases on Monday 28 November 2022 its contribution to the EC Consultation on defining the framework conditions of the Social Economy. Mgr. Hérouard: “the market should also be a place that creates alliances, common belonging, and mutual care between living beings”. Read the Contribution (EN – FR) After welcoming the Social Economy Action Plan … Continue reading »

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

Invitation

Conference on the ‘European Care Strategy’ and challenges faced by women during and after the pandemic

COMECE and FAFCE invite you to participate in the conference “The European Care Strategy: Responding to challenges faced by women in times of (post-)pandemic?” to be held on Wednesday 30 November 2022 from 10:00 to 11:30 (CET)  at the COMECE Secretariat in Brussels. Registration | Programme Echoing the EU institutions’ assessment on the COVID-19 pandemic impact on women, COMECE and FAFCE organise this conference to … Continue reading »

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

Press Release

Energy crisis | COMECE calls for solidarity ahead of the winter

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) releases on Monday 7 November 2022 a statement on the current energy crisis, calling on the EU to “ensure a fair access to affordable energy for all, especially the most vulnerable, while not losing sight of the long-term objectives of a just and sustainable energy transition”. Read the Statement: EN | IT | SK In … Continue reading »

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 »