Category Archives: Press

Press

News

Bishops meet with Graham Watson, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE)

A fruitful and full discussion took place today at a meeting between the Executive Committee of the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) and Graham Watson MEP, along with other members of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) at the European Parliament, Brussels. During the meeting, the Bishops and MEPs discussed the ratification of the European Constitution and the significance of … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

News

Churches and Church-linked organisations makes integration proposals for a comprehensive EU Migration Policy

Churches and Church-linked organisations call upon the EU to incorporate the ‘Essential Elements for Migration Policy’ advocated in the document ‘Integrating Migrants – Integrating Societies’, ahead of International Migrants’ Day on 18 December 2004. The organisations – Caritas Europa, the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME), the Secretariat of the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE), the International Catholic Migration Commission, … Continue reading »

Press

News

EU Bishops: Europe’s priority should be its people

The Bishops discussed the consolidation of the enlarged European Union, ratification of the Constitutional Treaty, the opening of accession negotiations with Turkey, and the successful application and implementation of the Lisbon Strategy in order to safeguard and further the interests of the European citizen. The Plenary Meeting of the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community was held in Brussels from 18-19 November. • … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

News

Reflections on Turkey and the European Union

The Plenary Meeting of the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) was held in Brussels from 18-19 November 2004. The Bishops discussed the opening of accession negotiations with Turkey and offer the following reflections: To decide whether Turkey can start negotiations with a view to acceding to the EU in the future, is a political and not a religious question. This political … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

Bishops reflect on the EU of today – and tomorrow COMECE Autumn Plenary Meeting

The Commission of European Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) will focus on the challenges and priorities that face the European Union in a new union of 25 member states at their Autumn Plenary Meeting in Brussels on 18-19 November 2004. The Bishops will concentrate particularly on the Lisbon Strategy, consolidation of the enlarged Union, Turkey’s candidacy, and the Constitutional Treaty. They will also … Continue reading »

Press

News

Rejection by the European Parliament of the Commission-designate headed by Jose Manuel Barroso

Today’s rejection by the European Parliament of the Commission-designate headed by Jose Manuel Barroso has provoked an institutional crisis within the European Union. It remains to be seen whether the Parliament has acted responsibly and with integrity. In any case, it will have a strong impact upon the credibility of the Union. We salute the dignified way in which President-designate Barroso has handled the debate … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

News

12 recommendations for a fair and consistent EU Migration and Asylum Policy

Six Christian organisations will present 12 recommendations for a fair and consistent EU Migration and Asylum Policy to the Ministers of the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg from 25-26 October 2004. The six organisations – Caritas Europa, the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME), the Secretariat of the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE), the International Catholic Migration Commission, … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

Churches visit the EU Presidency: “Common value must be the basis of the European project”

Values such as freedom and solidarity, democracy, human rights and human dignity must form the basis of the European project. The churches have an important role in reminding societies and governments about these values as well as in promoting their implementation – such were the sentiments expressed by the Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Gerrit Zalm concluding the discussion on European values with the churches’ representatives … Continue reading »