The bishops of the European Union convened in Brussels from 27 to 29 November 2024 for the autumn Plenary Assembly of COMECE. Focus: peace, European integration, Single Market, the future of work in the EU and implementation of Article 17 TFEU.

The Assembly coincided with the European Parliament’s vote on the new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen. In response, COMECE President Mgr. Mariano Crociata expressed satisfaction with the positive outcome of the vote, while also advocating for a future broader coalition in the EU parliament. “Europe has immense potential, but if divided, it risks losing its ability to act”, he stated.

Dialogue on Article 17 TFEU

On the first day of the Assembly, the bishops engaged in a stimulating exchange with Dr Fearghas O’Beara, Head of Unit at the European Parliamentary Research Service, discussing the challenges and opportunities in implementing Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

Dr O’Beara, author of a recent academic study on the EU’s engagement with religions, underscored the importance of investing in religious literacy and developing mechanisms to address intolerance and discrimination against religions and promote dialogue within the EU.

This exchange with Dr O’Beara was important also in the context of the new EU institutional cycle, as it provided the bishops with the opportunity to reiterate their commitment to work with the EU institutions to strengthen the implementation of Article 17 TFEU.

Future of Work and Corporate Social Responsibility

On Thursday, discussions focused on the future of work in Europe amidst technological advancements, climate crisis challenges, and international economic tensions.

The bishops welcomed a delegation of representatives from the International Christian Union of Business Executives (UNIAPAC), including President Sigrid Marz and the General Secretary Rodrigo Whitelaw, to reflect on workers’ rights and Christian business leaders’ social responsabilities in a rapidly changing world of work.

The session between COMECE and UNIAPAC built on prior collaborations between these two organisations and aimed to strengthen their partnership.

Enrico Letta and the Future of the European Single Market

On the final day of Assembly, the EU bishops met with Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute and former Prime Minister of Italy, for an in-depth and wide-ranging discussion on the future of the EU Single Market.

The dialogue drew on president Letta’s report, Much more that a Market, which advocates for transformative reforms to empower the European Single Market and the role of Europe in the world.

President Letta highlighted the Church’s contribution in strengthening the EU, combating inequalities, and fostering social cohesion. He also emphasised that the Single Market’s future must prioritise the centrality of the human person. Letta’s full report is available here.

Youth Engagement and Migration

The Assembly also provided a platform for members of the COMECE Youth Net presidency – Juan Luis Muñoz (Spain) and Benjamin Flores Martin (Malta) – to present their new contribution, with a focus on the challenges of migration and the integration of migrants into EU’s societies.

Policy Briefings and Broader Issues

COMECE’s policy advisers briefed the bishops on various current and upcoming EU initiatives, covering topics such as child safeguarding, GDPR implementation, peace and integral human development, intergenerational dialogue, cultural heritage, the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, freedom of religion outside of the EU, mental health, and the future of EU environmental policies.

Mass for Europe

In the context of the Assembly, the EU bishops celebrated the Mass for Europe at the Church of Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon, in Brussels, on Wednesday, 27 November. The Mass was presided by Mgr. Mariano Crociata. The Mass featured musical accompaniment by the Polish choir Domino Cantes. Mgr. Crociata’s homily is available here. During the Mass, a special mention was made of Mgr. Noël Treanor, Nuncio to the EU, who sadly and unexpectedly passed away the 11th of August of this year.

Next COMECE Plenary Assembly

The next COMECE Plenary Assembly will be held in Italy from 26 to 28 March 2025.

Source: comece.eu