Category Archives: Press

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

News

Set Back for the Protection of Embryos: The European Union faces a Major Bioethical Challenge

The Secretariat of COMECE has followed the preparation of the 7th Framework Research Programme for the period 2007-2013. It expresses its profound deception regarding the decision of the European Council of Ministers on 24 July 2006. The Catholic Church recognises the importance of developing an economy based on knowledge, research and innovation in the European Union. To this end the 7th Framework Research Programme is … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Churches meet with Finnish Presidency

As Finland assumes the Presidency of the European Union for the coming six months, a Delegation on behalf of the Churches met on Friday 30th June with the Finnish Foreign Affairs Minister Mr.Erkki Tuomioja and officials from the Ministries of Education and Labour. The Delegation was led by the Archbishop of Turku, his Excellency Jukka Paarma (Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland). Other … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE dismayed that the European Parliament promotes the instrumentalisation and destruction of human embryos

On 15 June 2006, the European Parliament voted in first reading on the 7th Research Framework Programme and called for EU funding of research with human embryos and human embryonic stem cells. Mgr Noel Treanor, Secretary General of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE), made the following statement: COMECE is supportive of an effective EU research policy in the service … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

Statement of the Executive Committee of COMECE

on the occasion of the Competitiveness Council and the vote in the European Parliament’s ITRE Committee on the 7th Research Framework Programme on 30 May 2006 in Brussels. The Executive Committee of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) takes note of the ongoing negotiations about the 7th Research Framework Programme in the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. On … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

News

Catholic bishops for a just and social Europe

On invitation by the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) bishops and representatives of twelve episcopates in the EU met on May 30th for a study day and an exchange on priorities of the socioethical debate in the EU Bishops’ Conferences. During the day, organised by COMECE for the first time in this format and held under the main theme « Lisbon … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

News

COMECE Bishops encourage politicians and citizens to create a framework for a just society in Europe

Today the COMECE Executive Committee issues a statement in view of Europe Day (9 May 2006) in which they welcome the reflection on the future of Europe and the positive elements of Plan D of the European Commission whilst calling for renewed efforts to revive the debate on the future of Europe. In welcoming the initiatives to reflect upon the future of the European Union, … Continue reading »

Press

COMECE Bishops present initiatives to promote intercultural dialogue to the Austrian EU Presidency

During their spring plenary the COMECE Bishops adopted initiatives designed to promote intercultural dialogue including its inter-religious dimension. These initiatives were presented to the Austrian EU Presidency during the COMECE plenary, which was held from 22-24 March 2006 in Brussels. Mr Hans WINKLER, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs in the Austrian Government, was presented with COMECE’s initiatives to promote intercultural dialogue by the then COMECE … Continue reading »

Press

COMECE Bishops seek ways to strengthen intercultural and inter-religious dialogue at the EU level

Strengthening intercultural and inter-religious dialogue will be the main focus of the forthcoming COMECE Bishops’ plenary meeting in response to the unfortunate and unsettling fallout between the EU and the Muslim world following the publication of cartoons caricaturing the prophet Mohammed. The plenary will take place from 22-24 March 2006 in Brussels. The Bishops will reflect upon and analyse the political and societal consequences following … Continue reading »

Press

COMECE launches its Global Governance Assessment 2005

Today during a dialogue seminar entitled “Global Governance: where we stand” co-organised with the European Policy Centre (EPC), COMECE launched its “Global Governance Assessment 2005 – One More Step On A Long Way To Go” before a panel of experts at the Residence Palace, Brussels. Co-hosting the event with the EPC as part of their EU and Global Governance programme, the dialogue seminar drew together … Continue reading »

Plenary Assembly, Press

Press Release

COMECE outlines its willingness to engage in Plan D

In order for the EU to seriously communicate locally with European citizens, then it should not overlook the Churches’ capacity to act as an interlocutor. This was the principle message from the Bishops of COMECE at their Autumn Plenary Meeting held from 16-18 November 2005 in Brussels. Mindful that this plenary takes place at a time when the European Union is experiencing profound uncertainties as … Continue reading »