Category Archives: Press

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

STATEMENT | International Migrants Day, “let’s advance the cause of humanity through a fair and just EU Pact on Migration and Asylum”

On the occasion of the International Migrants Day celebrated on 18 December 2023, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) wishes to express some underlying principles that should guide the ongoing trilogue negotiations on the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.   These principles should orient the policy makers to put in place legislations and mechanisms that ensure a fair, just … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EU Enlargement, COMECE President welcomes historic decision of the European Council

Commenting on yesterday’s decision of the European Council regarding EU enlargement, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, issues the following statement, on Friday 15 December 2023. “On behalf of the Bishops of the European Union, I wish to congratulate Ukraine and Moldova on the historic decisions taken yesterday by the European Council on the opening of EU accession negotiations, as well as Georgia for … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE’s reflections on COP28 outcomes

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) comments on Wednesday 13 December 2023 the end of COP28 recently held in Dubai. Fr. Barrios Prieto: “We welcome the difficult agreement reached on phasing out fossil fuels, but we are concerned about the real commitment of the parties to implement it effectively”. After the conclusion of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference … Continue reading »

Education & Culture, EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

Development: COMECE welcomes EP recognition of the role of faith-based actors in education

In a Report adopted today, 13 December 2023, the European Parliament highlights the opportunities of engaging with local faith-based organisations in the educational sector and calls for stronger partnerships with these stakeholders. COMECE welcomes the Parliament’s prioritisation of education and training in EU’s development cooperation and appreciates its recognition of the valuable role of faith-based actors in this regard. In the Report “EU development cooperation … Continue reading »

Press

🎓 COMECE launches its 2024 internship programme

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) is pleased to announce the launch of its Internship Programme for Fall 2024, providing a valuable opportunity for young individuals passionate about the mission of the Catholic Church in Europe. Download the internship offer The COMECE Internship Programme aims to offer participants a comprehensive understanding of the European Union policy and decision-making processes, along … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

Churches reflect on the role of Christian values in the EU

The relevance of Christian values for the European Union, especially in the context of the upcoming European elections in June 2024, was discussed by EU officials and representatives of Churches and Catholic NGOs in a meeting held in Brussels last Wednesday 6 December 2023. Organised by COMECE, together with the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy, the meeting featured a … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

News

VIDEO | Recording of the conference on Laudate Deum and EU’s Green Transition is now available!

The European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA), together with COMECE and JESC, held a successful conference on Thursday 7 December 2023 aimed to better understand the importance of Pope Francis’ message in rediscovering our vocation as guardians of Creation and restoring a harmonious relationship between humanity and Creation. Watch the full video recording Entitled “The new Laudate Deum of Pope Francis and the EU’s Green Transition”, … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Position paper on EU legislation on Labour Migration released by the Christian Group on Migration and Asylum

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) shares on Wednesday 29 November 2023 the Position Paper elaborated by the Christian Group on Migration and Asylum in view of the negotiations between EU institutions regarding the legislation on Labour Migration. Download the Position Paper The document includes comments on the recast of the Single Permit Directive and of the Long-term Residence Directive … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

Event

EVENT | Conference on Laudate Deum and the EU’s Green Transition to be held on December 7

COMECE, the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC) and the European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSia) invite you to participate in the Conference “The new Laudate Deum of Pope Francis and the EU’s Green Transition”, to take place in Brussels on Thursday 7 December 2023 from 18:00 to 19:30 (CET). Register now! The event follows the publication of Laudate Deum, Pope Francis’ recently published Apostolic Exhortation on … Continue reading »

Press

News

Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto confirmed as General Secretary of COMECE

The Bishops of the European Union confirmed Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto as General Secretary of COMECE for a second mandate of four years. The confirmation took place in the context of the 2023 Autumn Plenary Assembly of COMECE, held in Brussels on 8-10 November 2023. Fr. Barrios Prieto is a Spanish prelate from Madrid. He holds a degree in Theology and one in Clinical Psychology. … Continue reading »