Category Archives: Press

Press

Press Release

“It is time to capture again the spirit of Robert Schuman” Statement of Cardinal Marx on the occasion of 50th anniversary of the death of Robert Schuman

Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Robert Schuman. A great deal of history has been made in Europe in the half century since his death. The peace between nation states which had so frequently been enemies, the prosperity enjoyed by an unprecedented number of ordinary citizens, and the constructive and co-operative way in which politics are done within the European family of … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

News

Religious Freedom Guidelines: a welcome step forward

Press 25/06/2013: COMECE welcomes the adoption today by the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the EU of New “EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief“. This new instrument provides the staff in the EEAS (External Action service), EU Delegations, Representations and Embassies with an operational set of tools to be used in relations with third-countries. It is designed … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

European Citizenship: we need a sense of belonging to a community

EU citizenship is an issue central to our European identity and promises to feature prominently in the debates preceding the 2014 European Parliamentary elections. In the context of the European Year of Citizens 2013, the EU Commission has sought the views of the Churches on this theme in the frame of the Dialogue Seminar on 20 June. From the perspective of the EU Commission, Ms … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

Towards active involvement: the spiritual dimension of European citizenship

This year’s annual EU high-level meeting of religious leaders took place on 30 May at the Commission’s headquarters in Brussels, under the motto ‘Putting citizens at the heart of Europe in times of change’. The meeting was hosted by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and co-chaired by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and László Surján, Vice-President of the European … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

Pope Francis receives COMECE in private audience

This morning His Holiness Pope Francis received in private audience the Standing Committee of the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE). The COMECE delegation was led by its President Reinhard Cardinal Marx, Archbishop of Munich and Freising. During their half an hour together the Pope, the bishops and their General Secretary discussed the current economic crisis in Europe, its social impact and … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

News

Clinical trials on medicinal products for human use in the EU: A sound ethical framework is essential

Clinical trials are necessary before any new medicine is put on the market. However, many people who are unable to give consent as well as people from less-developed countries often participate in such trials. So how can we better protect these people and vulnerable populations against abuse? The European Commission has proposed a regulation which will be submitted to a vote of the European Parliament … Continue reading »

Press

News

Re-reading the Schuman Declaration

On the eve of Europe day, COMECE General secretary Fr Patrick H. Daly, made the following statement: ‘On this 9 May is celebrated across our continent as Europe Day. It offers us an occasion to recall the beginnings of the great adventure which has grown the nations of Europe closer together. On the 9 May 1950, France suggested to Germany the opening up of a … Continue reading »

Press

News

Tribute to former COMECE General Secretary

COMECE is sad to announce the death on Monday 15 April of Fr Paul Huot-Pleuroux, who was the first General Secretary of COMECE at its foundation in 1980. He occupied this position until 1989. Priest of the diocese of Besançon (France), Fr Huot-Pleuroux had first been General Secretary of the French Bishops Conference (1971-1977), then Joint Secretary of the Council of European Bishops Conferences (CCEE, … Continue reading »

Press

News

‘Cyprus and its people are in our prayers’

This Thursday 28 March, COMECE President Reinhard Cardinal Marx sent the following message of support to his Cypriot counterpart Mgr Youssef Soueif, Archbishop of the Maronites of Cyprus: “The grave economic crisis, which in recent weeks has been felt especially keenly in Cyprus, is a cause of deep concern within the wider European family. Nonetheless, at this time our thoughts turn particularly to Cyprus, to … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

COMECE welcomes the election of Pope Francis

Rev. Patrick H. Daly, General Secretary of COMECE joins the wider Church Family in welcoming the election of Jorge Maria Cardinal Bergoglio as Pope Francis. ‘Right from the outset, the European project has enjoyed the active support and interest of the new pontif’s predecessors, all of whom closely followed developments within the constellation of nations, which has become the European Union. At this critical time … Continue reading »