Category Archives: Press

Press Release

BELGIAN EU PRESIDENCY | European Churches meet with Ambassador Willem van de Voorde

An ecumenical delegation representing the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) met with Ambassador Willem van de Voorde, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the EU, on 18 January 2024, in Brussels, to discuss the priorities of the Belgian EU Presidency. Read the COMECE-CEC Contribution The meeting was a fruitful occasion to present and share … Continue reading »

Press Release

Article 17 High-Level Meeting features COMECE contribution

COMECE participated in the Article 17 TFEU Annual High-Level meeting between the European Commission and religious leaders on the theme “The European Way of Life in times of instability”, on Thursday 18 January 2024. Speeches: Mgr. Crociata – Mgr. Hoogenboom | Watch the video | Photo Gallery The meeting was hosted by Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission and responsible for Article 17 TFEU … Continue reading »

News

European Commission recognises the crucial role of young people in EU policymaking

The European Commission unveiled its Communication on the legacy of the 2022 European Year of Youth, a pivotal document set to determine the course of action in the area of youth policy in the next years. COMECE: “It is important that the EU recognises the crucial role of young people in policymaking and strengthens intergenerational dialogue at all levels of its action, especially in light … Continue reading »

News

“Jacques Delors dedicated his life to others”, says COMECE First Vice-President Mgr. Hérouard

The First Vice-President of COMECE and Archbishop of Dijon, Mgr. Antoine Hérouard, delivered a heartfelt homily during the obsequies of the late President of the EU Commission, Jacques Delors, held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, in Fontaine-la-Gaillarde, France. Mgr. Hérouard articulated Delors’ vision, stating that “he wanted to give a new meaning to political action, rooted in the commandment of Christian love.” Read the text … Continue reading »

Scandinavia

Christian ARTworks: Hosanna Son of David by composer Vogler (Nordic Bishops’ Conference)

This month, our ‘Christian Heritage month by month’ column presents you Vogler’s composition known in Swedish as “Hosianna”, an ecumenic success becoming a favorite song for choirs in Sweden, including modern-day Finland. Watch the videos: Video mosaic | Solo video Georg Joseph Vogler (1749–1814) was an ordained Catholic priest and a German virtuoso organist, composer, theorist and a pedagogue. Adventurous cosmopolitan, acclaimed performer and a … Continue reading »

Press Release

COMECE raises the alarm about the potential risks of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum

In response to the recently reached agreement on the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, COMECE issues a statement, on Friday 22 December 2023, raising the alarm about the potential risk that “the European Union will fail to protect the right to asylum and other human rights”. Read the Statement   The recent agreement between the Parliament and the Council on the new EU … Continue reading »

News

Former COMECE intern Marina Oliveira receives prestigious human rights award

We are happy to announce that Marina Paula Oliveira, Brazilian human rights defender and former COMECE intern, was awarded the “Prix des droits de l’Homme 2023”, a prestigious award given by the French government to people who, often at the risk of their lives, defend the environment and human rights. Watch the video interview | Photo Gallery Marina Paula Oliveira is a 28-year-old woman from … Continue reading »

News

STATEMENT | ELSiA’s take on COP28

After the conclusion of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai from 30 November until 12 December 2023, the European Laudato Si’ Alliance (ELSiA) releases on Tuesday 19 December 2023 the following statement. Download the Statement As Catholic actors engaged in COP28 processes, our focus has been on facilitating, pursuing, and advocating for solutions that uphold the dignity of all human … Continue reading »

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 »

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 »