Category Archives: Press

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

🇪🇺🇨🇾 ASSEMBLY | COMECE Spring Assembly 2026 to take place in Nicosia under Cypriot EU Presidency

On the occasion of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, EU bishops will exceptionally gather in Nicosia, Cyprus, for the Spring 2026 Plenary Assembly of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), taking place from 21 to 24 April 2026. The meeting will focus on the current situation in the Holy Land and the Middle East, as … Continue reading »

Education & Culture, EU External Affairs, Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press, Youth policies

News

OPPORTUNITY | European Summer School 2026: Applications now open

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), in collaboration with the University Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) and the Institute for the Global Common Good (IBCG), will organise the third edition of the European Summer School from 29 June to 3 July 2026 at the historic monastery Oude Abdij Drongen, located just outside Ghent, Belgium. Info & Application Under the theme “Rebirth … Continue reading »

Education & Culture, Policy Areas, Press

Invitation

WEBINAR | New European Bauhaus Lab – Renovation, transformation and renewal of church buildings and religious heritage in the EU (16 April 2026)

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), together with the University of Linz and Future for Religious Heritage, invite you to participate in the webinar “New European Bauhaus Lab: Renovation, transformation and renewal of church buildings and religious heritage in the EU”, to be held on Thursday, 16 April 2026 from 16:00 to 18:00 CET. Click here to join the webinar … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Message by the President of COMECE, Mgr Mariano Crociata, ahead of Easter 2026

On Monday, 30 March 2026, the President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), Mgr Mariano Crociata, wishes to share a message in view of the forthcoming celebration of Easter, in a context marked by growing conflicts and tensions, renewing the call for the European Union to promote peace, dialogue and solidarity among peoples. Read the message [EN – IT] … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

European Parliament vote on return policies raises serious concerns about the EU’s commitment to its fundamental values

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), on Friday, 27 March 2026, expresses its deep concern following the recent vote of the European Parliament on new EU return policies in the field of migration. Download the Press Release [EN – IT – ES – FR] This vote signals a troubling political shift within the Parliament, enabling the emergence of new majorities … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE congratulates Mairead McGuinness on appointment as EU Special Envoy for FoRB

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) congratulates Mairead McGuinness on her appointment as EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union, announced today, Thursday 26 March 2026. “COMECE knows Ms McGuinness well and has had the privilege of working closely with her during her time as a Member of the European Parliament, … Continue reading »

Press

News

Cardinal Parolin appointed Distinguished Member of the European Order of Merit

On Tuesday, 10 March 2026, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, announced the names of the first laureates of the newly established European Order of Merit, a distinction recognising outstanding contributions to European integration and to the promotion and defence of European values. “Europe has always been built by people: bridging divides, breaking barriers, overthrowing dictatorships and overcoming crises for a better future … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EU bishops welcome EC decision on ‘My voice, my choice’, caution against ESF+ for abortion services

In a statement released on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, the Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomes the decision of the European Commission not to establish a new funding programme as requested by the citizens’ initiative ‘My Voice, My Choice’. The bishops of the EU, however, express concerns over the possibility of mobilising the existing European Social Fund … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE President Mgr Crociata expresses concern over Middle East escalation and calls on the EU to relaunch diplomacy

In a short statement released on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, the President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata, expresses deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in Iran and across the Middle East, and calls on the EU and its Member States to promote de-escalation and relaunch diplomatic efforts. Read the Statement: EN | … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

News

European Day for a Work-free Sunday: Guaranteeing social cohesion across Europe

Every year on 3 March, the European Day for a Work-free Sunday is a moment to celebrate and reaffirm the importance of a weekly day of rest that is shared across our communities, a day to invite citizens, workers, church members, employers and political leaders alike to reflect on the social, cultural and health benefits of synchronised day of rest. In order to guarantee social … Continue reading »