Delegates from the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union will gather in Łomża, Poland, for the Spring COMECE Plenary Assembly on 17-19 April 2024. Marking 20 years after the big EU enlargement, the Assembly will delve into the voices of Central and Eastern Europe in light of the forthcoming European elections.
H.E. Mgr. Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations speaking at 2023 COMECE Spring Assembly, in Rome. (Photo: Cristian Gennari/Siciliani/COMECE)
The Assembly’s agenda includes three main sessions, focusing on the European Union’s integration process, its perception from Central and Eastern Europe, and future directions amid geopolitical challenges.
- Wednesday, 17 April: The Bishops will explore the successes and challenges of EU integration, with the help of Ján Figel’, Member of the Board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technlogy and former Special Envoy for the promotion of FoRB outside the EU, as well as Chief Negotiator in the accession process of Slovakia to the EU.
- Thursday, 18 April: A special panel will address the perception of the EU from the viewpoint of Central and Eastern Europe, with Alojz Peterle, former Prime Minister of Slovenia. On this day, the Assembly will receive H.E. Mgr. Stanisław Gądecki, Archbishop of Poznań and former President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference.
- Friday, 19 April: The final session will feature the participation of Prof. Tomáš Halík, Professor of Sociology at Charles University in Prague and also President of the Czech Christian Academy. During this session, the Bishops will engage in a dialogue with him to explore Central and Eastern Europe’s perspective on the future of the Church and Christianity in Europe.
The Assembly is hosted by H.E. Mgr. Janusz Stepnowski, Bishop of Łomża and Polish Bishop Delegate to COMECE.
Media
The Plenary Assembly is a closed-door event. Journalists and media operators interested in covering the event or interviewing Bishops are strongly encouraged to contact the Press Office of COMECE.
Updates on the works of the Assembly will be regularly posted on the COMECE official website and our social media channels. A comprehensive final press release will be issued upon the conclusion of the assembly.