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.
Press, Social & Economic Affairs

NEWS

Work-Life Balance: an important step towards family-centered society

COMECE welcomes the new EU rules on Work-Life Balance allowing parents and carers to better reconcile their work and family lives. The agreement, which comes after three years of negotiations between the EU institutions, introduces minimum rules on paternity leave and supports EU citizens providing care to family members in need of assistance. In a changing world of work and a demographic shift towards an … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

NEWS

Conference “Shaping the Future of Work”. Towards a decent, sustainable and participative world of work

During the COMECE-organised interreligious conference “Shaping the Future of Work” held at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 27 November, Mgr. Antoine Hérouard, President of the COMECE Social Affairs Commission, officially presented the reflection on the changes in the labour world, encouraging the EU to shape the digital and ecological transformations Result of a one-year long process of consultation and dialogue started in … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

COMECE publishes reflection on the Future of Work

In view of the 2019 European elections and on the occasion of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) centenary initiative on the future of work, the COMECE Social Affairs Commission publishes the reflection paper “Shaping the future of work”. The document encourages the EU to shape the digital and ecological transformations of the world of work aiming to the common good. The reflection highlights the role … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Invitation

Shaping the future of work. A faith-based contribution to the ILO centenary initiative

Organised by COMECE, CEC with Call Network, EKD, EESC, ILO ECWM, ICYCW, IYCW, J&P Germany, Uniapac, Tuesday 27 November 2018, 9:00 – 16:45 (reception starts at 8:15) European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Building VMA – Rue van Maerlant 2, 1040 Brussels The world of work faces transformative changes. Several processes and innovations, such as digitalisation, globalisation, artificial intelligence, but also the need for an … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Invitation

“Populism and renationalisation – a test for Europe and its democracies”?

Together with the Catholic Centre for Social Science (KSZ), COMECE co-sponsors a 2-day reflection event “Populism and renationalisation – a test for Europe and its democracies” that will take place in Mönchengladbach, Germany, on 14-15 June 2018. Europe faces challenges that have led to a polarisation of views, undermining cohesion within the EU and shaking our confidence in the resilience of out democracies. This year’s … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

NEWS

COMECE participation to the Katholikentag

Approximately two-thousands people attended the flagship event on the future of Europe entitled “In Diversity divided”, co-organised by COMECE, together with Renovabis and the Catholic Social Science Centre (KSZ), on 11 May 2018 in Münster, Germany. The dialogue took place in the context of the 101st German Catholic Day (Katholikentag) and allowed participants of different backgrounds and expertise to exchange on ways to strengthen the … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

NEWS

COMECE contribution in view of the next Multiannual financial framework

COMECE contributed to five public consultations launched by the EU Commission in preparation of the Multiannual financial framework post 2020. COMECE contributions vary in nature and topic but highlight two major ideas. First, to ensure a fair, simplified and non-discriminatory access to EU funding for all actors working for the Common Good. Among them including Churches and religious communities are important societal actors in areas … Continue reading »