On Wednesday, 11 June 2025, the Executive Committee of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE) officially visited the institutions of the European Union, as well as the Secretariat of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) in Brussels. Video: Mgr. Argüello – Mgr. García Magán – Mgr. Martínez Camino – CEE video story | Photo Gallery
The visit aimed to deepen understanding of the EU policy process and the participation and contribution of the Church, as also enshrined in Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The Spanish bishops also had the opportunity to engage in exchanges with EU officials on topics currently on the agenda of the European Union.
The delegation, led by its President, H.E. Mgr Luis Argüello, Archbishop of Valladolid, met with various EU officials, including Daniel Calleja Crespo, Director-General of the Legal Service of the EU Commission and future Head of the EC Representation in Spain. The bishops also visited the European Parliament and met with several of its members and with H.E. Mgr John Baptist Itaruma, from the Apostolic Nunciature to the European Union, who is working alongside the newly appointed Nuncio, H.E. Mgr Bernardito Cleopas Auza.
Executive Committee of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE) during an official visit to the EU institutions. Wed, 11 June 2025. (Photo: CEE/COMECE)
The visit also included an exchange with the staff of the COMECE Secretariat in which some of the EU legislative and policy proposals of the EU were discussed in relation to the work of COMECE.
Among the topics discussed were the EU legislation on data protection and child sexual abuse, artificial intelligence, migration and asylum, the call for the appointment of an EU coordinator to combat anti-Christian hate, integral education, youth policies, the energy and housing crisis, peace in Ukraine and the Holy Land.
The Spanish delegation gained valuable insights into the EU-Church dialogue and the various stages, processes, and contexts in which EU policies can be enriched by contributions developed by COMECE in collaboration with its member Bishops’ Conferences and other partners.
In a video interview, H.E. Mgr Argüello highlighted the importance of COMECE for the Catholic Church in Europe: “It is necessary to have such a permanent presence to monitor the initiatives of the European Union and to try to contribute to them. This is particularly needed today in an international context marked by tensions, in order to place human dignity and the promotion of the common good at the heart of EU initiatives.”
The official visit also included an encounter with numerous representatives of the Spanish community living in Brussels and working within the institutions of the European Union.
A delegation of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference and members of the Spanish community living in Brussels and working within the EU institutions. Wed, 11 June 2025. (Photo: COMECE)
COMECE Secretary General, Fr Manuel Barrios Prieto, emphasised the value of such meetings for reinforcing synergies between COMECE and local Churches: “Study visits of this kind provide COMECE with additional input from the Bishops’ Conferences, while episcopal delegations gain insight into the EU policymaking process, which they can then share with their grassroots and the faithful.”
The delegation was composed of:
- E. Mgr Luis Argüello (CEE President – Archbishop of Valladolid)
- E. Mgr Francisco César García Magán (CEE Secretary General – Auxiliary Bishop of Toledo)
- E. Mgr Ginés García Beltrán (Bishop of Getafe)
- E. Mgr Jesús Sanz Montes (Archbishop of Oviedo)
- E. Mgr Juan Antonio Martínez Camino (CEE Delegate to COMECE – Auxiliary Bishop of Madrid)
- Dr Fernando Giménez Barriocanal (CEE Vice Secretary for Economic Affairs)
- Dr Carlos López Segovia (CEE Vice Secretary for General Affairs)
- Dr José Gabriel Vera Beorlegui (Director of the CEE Press Office)
We take this opportunity to once again extend a warm invitation to the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union to visit us throughout the year. These visits offer valuable opportunities for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration, allowing us to strengthen our shared mission and deepen our engagement with the European institutions.
Media
Video Interview with Mgr. Argüello (ES)
Video Interview with Mgr. García Magán (ES)
Video Interview with Mgr. Martínez Camino (ES)
CEE video story (ES)
Photo Gallery