Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with General Secretaries of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union
The General Secretaries of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union gathered in Brussels on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, for their annual meeting organised by COMECE to discuss current issues concerning the Church and the European Union. The programme included a meeting at the European Parliament with Vice-President Antonella Sberna, responsible for the implementation of the Article 17 dialogue, as well as a reception by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. Photo Gallery
At the European Parliament, the General Secretaries were received by Vice-President Antonella Sberna, who is responsible for the implementation of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which provides for a regular dialogue between the European Union and churches, religious communities, and philosophical organisations.
During the meeting, representatives of the EU Bishops’ Conferences reaffirmed the Church’s support for the European project, while calling for its renewal through a reduction of excessive bureaucratic approaches and a strengthening of the relationship between the European institutions and citizens. They also underlined the importance of a stronger understanding of subsidiarity and greater attention to the identity and traditions of local communities.
The meeting further provided an opportunity to exchange reflections on the different models of Church–State relations across the Member States of the European Union.
Participants emphasised the Church’s commitment to promoting an approach focused not only on what each country can receive from the European Union, but also on what it can contribute to it. The General Secretaries also highlighted the essential role played by the Church in supporting Member States in addressing migration and asylum challenges, as well as broader social issues.
Different perspectives on the fundamental right to freedom of religion were also discussed, with particular attention given to those parts of the EU where the Catholic Church is a minority, while expressing solidarity with other religious communities facing challenges related to fundamental rights.
Vice-President Sberna underlined the importance of Article 17 TFEU, stressing that it should primarily serve as a framework for cooperation and dialogue on concrete issues on the EU agenda. She also assured participants that the European Parliament’s national representative offices would continue to be involved in dialogue seminars, thereby encouraging closer engagement with local religious communities.
MEP Sberna further highlighted the importance of tolerance, coexistence and dialogue in fostering social cohesion within the European Union and its Member States. She emphasised that the EU should not only function as a body legislating on technical and specific matters, but should also remain a space of protection and freedom of movement, in fidelity to the vision of its founding fathers.
Apostolic Nuncio to the EU, Mgr Bernardito Cleopas Auza, meeting with the General Secretaties of the EU Bishops’ Conferences. Brussels, May 2026. (Photo: COMECE)
During their visit to the European Parliament, the General Secretaries of the Bishops’ Conferences were also welcomed by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who expressed appreciation for the contribution of the Catholic Church.
The event also included an extensive internal exchange among the General Secretaries on a wide range of topics, including the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and return legislation, peace, freedom of religion within and outside the European Union, competitiveness, and legal challenges concerning the protection of personal data within the Church. Together, the General Secretaries reflected on ways to strengthen COMECE’s mission and to enhance coordination among the Bishops’ Conferences on European issues.
The internal part of the meeting was also attended by H.E. Mgr Bernardito Cleopas Auza, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, who shared reflections on the functioning and actions of the European Union, as well as on the collaboration between COMECE and the Apostolic Nunciature.
Due to a national strike in Belgium, some General Secretaries participated in the meeting by videoconference.