Category Archives: Press

EU External Affairs, International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Invitation

Webinar: Religious and political implications of Pope Francis’ historic journey to Iraq

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) are pleased to invite you to join a webinar on the political and religious implications of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to Iraq. The webinar, under the theme “You are all brothers” will take place on Monday 15 March 2021, from 18:00 to 19:30 (CET). Pope Francis’ historic visit to Iraq was … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

The European Sunday Alliance releases statement on synchronised free time in the EU

The European Sunday Alliance calls on EU political leaders “to put synchronised free time as a priority on the social policy agenda”. In a statement released on Wednesday 3 March 2021, the Alliance – of which COMECE is a member – encourages the EU Commission to align its upcoming proposal for a directive on a right to disconnect with Article 2 of the Council of … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

EU Foundational Principles Demand Vaccine Equity

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and Caritas Europa are urging the EU institutions to ensure vaccine access for all, promoting a “widescale vaccination not only for Europe´s own safety and protection, but also for global public health as a public good”. With the COVID-19 pandemic having already entered into its second year, COMECE and Caritas Europa praised the swift … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE-FAFCE joint Webinar on “The Elderly and the Future of Europe”

Following the publication of a joint Reflection Paper on “The Elderly and the Future of Europe“, COMECE and the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe are glad to invite you to an online event to reflect on the role of the elderly in a context of pandemic and demographic change. The event will be held on Monday 1 March 2021, from 15:00 to 16:15 … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE contributes to EU consultation on mandatory due diligence

COMECE welcomes EU’s proposed initiative to hold businesses liable for human rights violations and environmental harm throughout their supply chains, and calls for an ambitious approach in providing victims of corporate abuses with effective access to justice. The contribution (summary available here) was jointly elaborated with CIDSE, Pax Christi International and Justice & Peace Europe. In their joint response to the recent EU consultation on … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Invitation

Join the webinar “Human Dignity and Resilience: Migrants and Hosting Communities”

COMECE is pleased to invite you to participate in the “Human Dignity and Resilience: Migrants and Hosting Communities”, a webinar to be held together with Comunità di Sant’Egidio on Wednesday 17 February 2021, from 16:00 to 17:30 CET. The event is organised in the context of the COMECE’s call to “put Human dignity and Common Good at the centre of the future negotiations of the … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

Churches-EU Dialogue: Ecumenical delegation meets with Portuguese EU Presidency

An ecumenical delegation of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) participated in an online meeting on 28 January 2021 with Mr Nuno Brito, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the European Union, exchanging on the priorities of the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union. An important topic of discussion was the … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE President concerned for the erosion of Freedom of Religion in the Member States

In a statement published on Friday 22, January 2021, the President of COMECE, H. Em. Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, expresses concerns for a draft law soon to be discussed in Denmark, that could impose undue hindrance on the fundamental right to freedom of religion by demanding sermons and homilies to be provided in the national language. While respecting national legislative processes, the Head of EU … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE meets with EU Commissioner Várhelyi: “the Mediterranean as a place of peaceful encounters”

A COMECE delegation met with Mr. Olivér Várhelyi, EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, on Monday 18 January 2021, to offer policy recommendations on a people-centred and fair future Southern Partnership. The document presented to the EU Commissioner was elaborated by COMECE in dialogue with local Church authorities. Last year, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Union for the Mediterranean, the EU … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

COMECE addresses the EU Commission on Covid-19 strategy – “It is crucial to maintain the dialogue with Churches”

On the occasion of the last 2020 meeting of the COMECE Standing Committee on Tuesday 15 December 2020, the Bishops also addressed the European Commission Strategy on “Staying safe from Covid-19 during winter”. While welcoming the efforts for a coordinated and sustainable EU approach against the current pandemic, COMECE urges the European institutions to consult with Churches and religious communities especially when considering recommendations that … Continue reading »