Category Archives: Press

Press, Social & Economic Affairs

NEWS

The COMECE Social Affairs Commission explore future priorities

Experts of EU Bishops’ Conferences gathered in Brussels on Wednesday 26 June 2019 to participate in the COMECE Social Affairs Commission. They exchanged views on future Church’s contributions to EU social policies in the renewed institutional setting following the May 2019 elections of the European Parliament. Participants analysed the results of the elections across the EU, addressed the challenges of political fragmentation to a more … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Press

Press Release

COMECE reflections on “uncrewed armed systems”

COMECE publishes a contribution to the ongoing discussion on the development and use of increasingly sophisticated armed technologies. This reflection, entitled “Technology at the service of peace”, provides recommendations to the EU and its Member States on how to address the (mis-)use of force through “uncrewed armed systems”. Produced by a COMECE ad-hoc working group led by Prof. Dominique Lambert, the reflection comes at a … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

Fr. Barrios Prieto appointed as future General Secretary of COMECE

Following the 13-15 March 2019 COMECE Assembly, Bishops’ Conferences of the EU elected Fr. Manuel Enrique Barrios Prieto as future General Secretary of COMECE. Fr. Barrios Prieto will succeed fr. Olivier Poquillon o.p. as General Secretary on the 1st of September 2019. His mandate, according to the new statute of COMECE, will last four years. Rev Barrios Prieto graduated from the Pontifical Gregorian University as … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Press

NEWS

How can the Church and the EU support Human Rights defenders in the Amazon?

In preparation for the October 2019 Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region, COMECE held on 19 June 2019 a dialogue meeting between EU policy makers and Church and civil society representatives on human rights defenders in the Amazon region. Discussing the respective roles of the Church and the EU in addressing the environmental, social and human rights concerns in the region, this event allowed … Continue reading »

Press

NEWS

The COMECE Presidency meets with Pope Francis

Following the May 2019 elections of the European Parliament, the COMECE Presidency met with Pope Francis on Thursday 6 June 2019 to discuss on future challenges for the Church’s dialogue with the EU. Recalling their statement “Rebuilding community in Europe”, inviting European citizens to responsible participation, EU Bishops exchanged with Pope Francis their assessment of the coming challenges for the EU and the role it … Continue reading »

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 »

Ecology & Sustainability, Press

Press Release

Second European Laudato Si’ Reflection Day: “Towards a Life-Style conversion”

Four years after Pope Francis’ Encyclical letter on the “care for our common home”, representatives of European Bishops’ Conferences, as well as Catholic organisations and movements, held in Brussels the Second European Laudato Si’ Reflection Day on Wednesday 12 June 2019. At the core of the event, a call on Catholics and all people of good will to carry out a lifestyle conversion to answer … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Press

Invitation

Second Laudato Si’ Reflection Day: “Towards a true Life-Style conversion”

Following last year Laudato Si’ Reflection Day, COMECE is pleased to invite you to the Second Laudato Si’ Reflection Day to deepen the discussion on the ecological conversion Pope Francis called for in his Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’. Participants will exchange on creative Church practices and projects aiming to better take care of the Creation. This meeting will be a good opportunity to highlight Church … Continue reading »

Press

NEWS

COMECE on EU elections results: “Citizens voted: it is time to rebuild community in Europe”

COMECE expresses deep appreciation for the increased participation of EU citizens in the election of the European Parliament. With a turnout of 50.97%, the highest in 20 years, Europeans gave a strong signal to the MEPs they elected, thereby taking back control of their common destiny. “People saw the importance of European politics and took their responsibility in going to vote”,commented Mgr. Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.J., … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Press

NEWS

COMECE gathers Church data protection experts

Following a demand of its Legal Affairs Commission, COMECE organised on 21 May 2019 an expert meeting to discuss the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and its impact on Church activities after one year of application. In dialogue with the European Commission, some of the main challenges in the field were identified and discussed. The protection of personal data, being a long-term … Continue reading »