Left to right: CEC General Secretary with COMECE General Secretary Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto

Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), took part in the Plenary Assembly of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), held in Nemi, Italy, 26 to 28 March 2025. He welcomed dialogue at the meeting and underlined the vital role of churches in shaping Europe’s future steadfast in hope. 

COMECE is a long-standing Catholic partner of CEC in the framework of the Article 17 Dialogue with the European Union.

“I greatly appreciated the exchange with the members of the Assembly, including the spiritual dimension of our time together,” said Fischbach. “It was a privilege to share about the work of CEC, especially in these times of profound change in Europe.”

In his remarks, Fischbach drew parallels between the founding of CEC in the aftermath of World War II and the present moment. “CEC was born in a time that called for peace, reconciliation and bridge-building—across the Iron Curtain. Today, similar challenges call for renewed commitment.”

He highlighted the ongoing work of CEC’s Pathways to Peace initiative, which engages churches in Ukraine and across Europe in dialogue for a just and lasting peace. “CEC is grateful for the cooperation with COMECE in this area, which continues to be essential,” he added.

Fischbach also addressed recent proposals by the European Commission on defence and security. “These proposals will need to be assessed in terms of how far they incorporate peacebuilding and dialogue,” he said. “Europe must seek peace using all possible and reasonable instruments. Churches can contribute to this debate through their faith, theology, and deep traditions—even while acknowledging they have not always been peacemakers.”

Fischbach also appreciated the concluding statement from the COMECE Assembly, which highlights churches’ concern over threats to peace and security: “As bishops of the European Union, we wish to express our deep concern about the multiple threats to peace and security, both within and outside the EU. We strongly reiterate our call for a Europe that becomes a true family of peoples, based on human dignity, justice and peace.”

CEC’s participation in the Assembly underscores the significance of its cooperation with COMECE in advancing common Christian witness in Europe.

Learn more: Dialogue with European Political Institutions