Caritas-Europa - Headline

Family is a fundamental pillar of social welfare and should be supported in times of crisis

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa statement on International Day of Families

Seasonal workers are not a � low-cost � source of work force

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In view of the on-going trialogue on the draft Directive on seasonal workers, Caritas Europa warns against creating a specific chart of rights for seasonal workers that in practice would make them 2nd class workers with less rights than permanent workers.

Caritas Europa to European Parliament: Give unaccompanied minors your highest priority

Thu, 2 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa calls on the European Parliament to adopt child-centred policies in order to enhance adequate social and legal protection of minors regardless of their legal status. All unaccompanied minors must be treated as children, but not as migrants.

Humanitarian Aid: Procurements and logistics are key strategic tools

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa Working Group on Humanitarian Aid strengthens intra-network coordination and deepens members� knowledge on Procurements and Logistics as key strategic tools to achieve economies of scale and coordination among members.

Common Management Standards workshop boosts ownership among members

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

19 European Caritas organisations met to discuss and contribute to the important role that Caritas Europa's Common Management Standards can play in the network and the global Confederation.

Caritas pays tribute to former President Georg H�ssler

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Former Caritas Internationalis President, Monsignor Georg H�ssler, died yesterday in Freiburg. He was 91 years of age. Monsignor H�ssler was the President of Caritas Germany for 21 years and carried out two mandates as Caritas Internationalis President from 1975 to 1983.

Caritas draws attention to worsening situation of Roma people in Europe on International Roma Day

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa has expressed its concern about the situation of Roma across EU Member States today on 8 April, the International Day of Roma, and is calling for a renewed effort by the EU to promote the full inclusion of Roma people.

Cyprus bailout: The most vulnerable groups must not pay for correcting banks� errors

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa urges decision-makers to ensure that the bailout conditions agreed with Cyprus will not worsen the situation of the most vulnerable groups.

European Council addresses Europe�s dramatic social situation

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa welcomes the conclusions of the latest European Council regarding making a priority of combatting poverty and tackling youth unemployment.

Caritas Europa welcomes Pope Francis

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa welcomes the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires as Pope Francis. One hundred and fifteen cardinal electors chose Pope Francis to be the spiritual leader of 1.2 Catholics worldwide after two-day conclave this week.

'A Decent Life for All': Must include a rethinking of the EU�s development model

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa welcomes the European Commission's vision of a 'Decent Life for All', but regrets the weak commitment on the 'Right to Food' in the post-2015 framework and an unclear action plan by the EU.

International Women�s Day: making the field level

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas urges the world to banish the discrimination and stereotypes which trap women in poverty and give them the chance to be full partners in global development.

EU Development Ministers take steps in right direction on Post 2015 Framework

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Nevertheless, Caritas Europa stresses that there are still unclear positions on vital issues such as poverty-reduction, access to food/Food Security and participation.

Economic crisis is not over - worst is still to come, claims Caritas Europa

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A new Caritas Europa study reveals disturbing levels of poverty and deprivation in the five EU countries worst hit by the economic crisis; Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain

"Caritas must have a say on how the world will show solidarity to the poorest in 2015," says Secretary General Nu�o Mayer

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa strives to influence the preparations of EU Ministers in charge of Development's agenda for the Post Millenium Goal/Beyond 2015 negotiations

Irish concerns on homelessness is good news for Europeans

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa welcomes Irish EU Presidency's initiative to include homelessness on the political agenda for its 6-month term at the helm of the EU Council.

EU-Wide Youth Guarantee Schemes prevent falling into poverty and social exclusion

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa welcomes the European Parliament�s adoption of a resolution calling for introducing youth guarantee schemes in all Members States.

The European Commission proposal on the European Year of Citizens 2013 lacks focus on the poor and socially excluded

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

�With more than 120 million citizens living at risk of poverty and social exclusion, a European Year dedicated to citizens that does not involve everyone would be a mistake,� says Jorge Nu�o Mayer, Caritas Europa Secretary General.

Caritas Europa calls for a more modernised approach to providing food aid to the deprived

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

By doing so, marginalised and socially excluded people can become part of a solution to the food challenges that European society is now facing.

Member States hampering family reunification are in breach with EU law

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

On the International Migrants Day, Caritas Europa calls on Member States that are not complying with the Family Reunification Directive to change stance and stop shattering families and causing unnecessary suffering.

Eurostat data shows that tackling poverty deserves more attention and urgent actions in the European semester process

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa's secretary general reflects on alarming figures showing that poverty is still increasing in Europe.

Caritas warns about dramatic decline in public funding

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Reduction of development aid has fallen to lower levels than in 2005. Caritas Europa supports the following statement by Caritas Spain.

Caritas Europa in the European Parliament: Only decisive political will can overcome child poverty in Europe

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

"With poverty figures worse than ever, we are confident that it will take decisive political will to tackle this situation, both on a European and national level.�

Caritas at annual Poverty Convention: Austerity measures are hitting the poor and vulnerable more than others

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Representatives from Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal provided first-hand accounts of the impacts of austerity policies at a Caritas Europa debate during the European Commission�s annual Poverty Convention.

Greater protection for migrants in the time of crisis

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

"We are here for change" - Civil society leaders point to co-responsibility with Governments for solutions in labour migration, rights and development, at the Global Forum on Migration & Development in Mauritius.

Caritas Europa sends its most heartfelt condolences to victims of Caritas Germany fire tragedy

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A tragic fire in a workshop for disabled people from Caritas Freiburg, Germany has killed fourteen people and left eight injured. Erny Gillen, the President of Caritas Europa, has transmitted the most heartfelt condolences to the victims and relatives.

Caritas to Governments: Offer migrants decent work, social protection and greater opportunities for human development.

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

At the Global Forum on Migration & Development, Caritas urges world leaders to value the contribution of migrants, to protect their rights and enable them to contribute to development.

Committed to help the more than 20 million children confronted with poverty in Europe

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas is holding a 3 day long international seminar on child poverty, gathering experts from over 30 countries across Europe to further develop its ten pack of recommendations to decision-makers and underpin the European Commission�s forthcoming proposal on children�s well-being.

The 2014-2020 EU-budget must include right steps and fundings to reach poverty goal of Europe 2020 strategy

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa calls on member states not to overlook goal of lifting 20 million people out of poverty by 2020 and thus proposes 4 points to better link the 2014-2020 budget for Structural Funds to the poverty targets of the Europe 2020 strategy.

SCIAF appoints new Director

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Ms Patricia Chal�, was appointed as the new Director of SCIAF on Monday 5 November. Caritas Europa congratulates SCIAF for its choice and looks forward to start working with Ms Chal�.

Mgr Victor Grech of Caritas Malta wins European Citizen�s Prize 2012

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The award of this prize to Mgr. Grech is an honour to Caritas Malta and the country as a whole. Moreover, Caritas Malta feels the award also does credit to Caritas Europa.

Ten Caritas organisations join forces to strengthen responsiveness in emergency crisis

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas experts for emergency response from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Turkey coordinate their techniques and develop inputs by Caritas Europa and Caritas Internationalis.

EU�s development priorities welcomed, but post-2015 framework must ensure just and sustainable world for all human beings

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa welcomes a recent commitment of the EU on poverty eradication in Post-2015, but a stronger political will is still needed to make it work as a real change.

The EU has a special responsibility to guarantee the Right to Food in the future overarching Post-2015 development framework

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Secure access to adequate and safe food is a universal Human Right, which all states of the international community are mutually obliged to respect, protect and fulfill. As the world�s largest actor in agricultural trade, the EU has a special responsibility in this respect.

The Right to Food must be the foundation of global food governance in the Post-2015 framework

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Right to Food must be understood in a very participative manner, involving CSOs and individuals in the development of the monitoring mechanisms.

Human Rights-based approach to development - complemented by the Human Integral development - must be the core elements of the post 2015 development framework

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

States are legally responsible for keeping to the obligations they have committed to under international human rights treaties.

The Post-2015 development framework should aim at an integral human development

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In Post-2015, it is important to create a just and sustainable world in which every human being may realise its integral human development. This is among the recommendations Caritas Europa makes at the European Development Days next week.

Caritas Europa calls for Child Poverty to be tackled in context of Family Poverty

Tue, 9 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa is calling on decision makers in all 27 EU Member States and in the European Institutions to reconsider the use of austerity measures � particularly as they impact on children and their families � as part of wider attempts to promote economic recovery.

Hungry People Cannot Wait - Caritas Europa at European Development Days

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

High level panel discussion with the aim of generating recommendations and raising awareness among decision makers to find concrete solutions against hunger and poverty.

�Europe needs a new model of social inclusion based on employment and social protection�

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa met last week Commissioner Andor and members of his cabinet to discuss social solutions for Europe.

UN Special Rapporteur to Caritas Europa: "Governments must keep their promises on Right to Food"

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It is important to integrate the Right to Food at national level accompanied by accountability mechanisms and to involve CSOs in these mechanisms, says UN Rapporteur, who will address our panel at the European Development Days.

Caritas Europa Works on New Solidarity Fund

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa�s Executive Board will present a revised version of the network�s solidarity-based financial support mechanism by the end of the year.

Respect for Human Rights Must Be on Top of FRONTEX's Agenda

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa has sent a letter to the European Ombudsman raising concerns on the functioning of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders (FRONTEX) and its democratic control.

Caritas Europa Welcomes UN�s �I Was Here� Campaign on World Humanitarian Aid 2012

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This Sunday 19 August is the World Humanitarian Aid Day. On this occasion, Caritas Europa wants to salute thank all humanitarian aid workers across the planet for their commitment and generosity to mankind.

Caritas to help Russia�s flood survivors

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Russia�s worst flood disaster in recent history has killed over 150 people�some in their sleep�and ruined the property of over 30,000. On a recent fact-finding mission to affected areas in southern Russia, Caritas Saratov reports the scale of the damage as huge. Caritas is preparing a relief programme to help those most in need.

Resettlement Saves Lives - Take action!

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa has joined the Resettlement Saves Lives campaign calling the EU Member States to resettle 20,000 refugees per year by 2020. Take action and join the campaign!

Beyond 2015: Growth must be measured and distributed in a different way

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The world needs a global future framework for the years beyond 2015 � one which applies to all countries and in which all countries need to take action, but in which all also stand to benefit from the results. Growth must be measured in a different way using qualitative measures as well as quantitative ones.

Back Commission's proposal on Cohesion policy budget and European Social Fund for social inclusion and fighting poverty!

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa, along with the alliance of NGOs running the EU Money for Poverty Reduction NOW! campaign, sent yesterday a joint letter to Member States' Prime Ministers ahead of their General Affairs Council meeting next Tuesday 26 June 2012

Caritas calls the EU to insist for a roadmap on �Beyond 2015� in Rio+20

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The EU could take a leading role in proactive initiatives insisting for a roadmap on �Beyond 2015�, including time-specific milestones to develop the new framework. It is crucial for Caritas that the EU seeks for a closer cooperation with developing and least developed countries.

Ten Pack of Recommendations on Child Poverty

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Child poverty is a badge of shame for the European Union and is totally possible to eradicate with sufficient political will. To contribute to Europe's ongoing discussions on how to best act, Caritas Europa has gathered a set of ten recommendations based on the vast experience of the thousands of Caritas staff working with children in poverty on a daily basis.

Caritas Europa talks about child poverty with MEP Jean Lambert

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

"I think that child poverty is a badge of shame for Europe," said MEP Lambert, and added, "I chair a one of Parliament�s delegations dealing with some of the poorest countries in the world. We�re concerned about child poverty there. We want to eradicate it in those developing countries. We also have to be determined to eradicate child poverty in our own countries, some of the richest countries in the world. We should not have children living in poverty."

NGOs' call for correct implementation of EU law on family reunification gets quick support from Commission

Tue, 5 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Less than 15 days after the publication of the Civil Society�s joint statement calling on the European Commission to �stop turning a blind eye to the fact that a series of Member States are not complying with the EU�s Family Reunification Directive�, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmstr�m, has announced that the Commission will monitor closely the implementation of the Directive in Member States and will ensure its correct implementation by starting infringement procedures where necessary or by issuing interpretative guidelines

EU Commissioner and President of Caritas: Fighting against hunger is not utopia, we can make a difference

Sat, 2 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

EU Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva speaking at Caritas Congress: �It�s not utopia. It can be done. We have to act, all of us. We can turn this around and fight against hunger."

Caritas is fed up with hunger � Demands a future without hunger

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Dying of hunger in our world of plenty is a scandal and the denial of the most basic human right: the right to food. Hunger is not a natural phenomenon; it has social, economic and political causes. Caritas tackles this challenge at the Congress �Future Without Hunger� in Vienna on 1-2 June 2012.

Future without hunger - Live streaming from Vienna

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas' international congress on global hunger and sustainable food security started today in Vienna. The two-day event gathers key-figures and experts from around the world to discuss and present sustainable solutions to global hunger.

Meeting in European Commission: EU must run a food programme to help 18 Million deprived people in Europe

Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The European Union must run a special European programme on food for the most deprived. Caritas Europa underlines the utmost importance of an efficient EU-programme that can help 18 Million people in starvation all over Europe.

Migration laws must respect rights of migrants and refugees

Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and Caritas organisations in the Mediterranean call on the EU to ensure the coherence between the Union�s and Member States� policies on migration and the respect for human rights.

Caritas responds to earthquake in Italy

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

�We�re close to the people in prayer and in particular the families of the victims. We will support the local church in providing aid,� said Caritas Italy�s Director Don Francesco Soddu, who immediately traveled to the affected area.

Regional Conference concludes: Migrants take care of our children and elderly � we should take care of them

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

"Migration is an opportunity, but is treated as a threat. Care is a need, but is neglected. People are the highest value, but property is more valued. We need a caring society for all,� says President of Caritas Europa.

EU must safeguard family life of migrants and refugees

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa calls on the European Commission and EU Member States to guarantee the effective right to family life and family reunification for all migrants and beneficiaries of international protection.

166 organisations appeal to EU institutions: Asylum seekers should not be detained

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa signs the appeal �Not crossing red lines � A negotiators� checklist on minimum detention safeguards� insists that EU institutions ensure respect for asylum seekers� right to liberty in recast Reception Conditions Directive and Dublin Regulation.

Directors of Caritas organisations in Europe discuss various problems related to care and migration

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

One serious side effect of the economic crisis is the worsening situation of migrants, especially those working in the care sector. The promotion of caring by, for and in societies, with a special attention to the most vulnerable is a core issue in Caritas� work in the area of social protection, migration and refugee and development policies, as part of a coherent and holistic approach to eradicate poverty.

Caritas Europa�s Regional Conference starts in Warsaw: Respect � Reciprocity � Relation

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

�The crisis in which we live is not only financial or economic, but cultural and anthropological. It is therefore not only a financial and material assistance to meet some type of distress, but rather to give the human person back his dignity,� said Cardinal Robert Sarah, President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, in the opening speech.

Caritas annual regional conference to take place this week

Wed, 2 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The entire Caritas Europa network is gathering next week in Poland. The Regional Conference, which is held annually, is the Caritas Europa network�s main statutory decision making and direction setting assembly.

Caritas hosts workshop to help financial sustainability

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa held a two-day workshop in Czech Republic to help its members improve their financial sustainability. The participants included Caritas from 14 European countries.

Portuguese migrants facing difficult conditions

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Portugal and the Catholic Migration Service of Portugal met in Alfragide to talk about problems that Portuguese immigrants living in Europe are facing.

Humanitarian Aid at crossroads, the need for a deep commitment from Member States starts with the upcoming Irish presidency

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Open invitation to humanitarian aid debate in Switzerland

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas invites you to attend next week�s humanitarian aid discussion. It will take place Thursday morning on 26 April at Rue de Varemb�, 1, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Caritas pays homage to outstanding migrant colleague

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa pays homage to former migration commission president, who dies aged 53.

Caritas Italy launches new centre for earthquake victims

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The centre, which has received over �31 million, will be launched to promote social, cultural and pastoral activities three years after the earthquake killed 309 people. The �Madonna, a source of peace� centre will focus on social projects, reconstruction as well as first aid and emergency services.

Caritas calls in the Council of the EU for consistency on the implementation of the Consensus on Humanitarian Aid: �EU humanitarian aid is not a crisis management tool�

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa has been invited to the COHAFA of the European Council as an expert organisation to present its report on Humanitarian principles.

Albanian floods help raise solidarity among villagers

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Villagers in Pentar showed solidarity in helping store animal food in preparation for future floods. The risk of floods has greatly increased in the area of Dajc in the past two years.

Caritas will remind Member States about the primacy of the principles of the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid at COHAFA

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The ERSO project on sustainable return and reintegration wants more members and stronger relations with its African partner organisations

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A network with Caritas organisations that assists rejected asylum seekers in Europe and in their countries of origin sets its programme.

Kofi Annan and Kristalina Georgieva to address a Caritas Congress on global hunger and food security

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The former UN secretary general will be a key-note speaker at a Congress Caritas is preparing on global hunger and sustainable food security in Vienna on 1-2 June 2012.

Caritas Europa urges governments to resettle more refugees

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The EU will give more money to European countries if they accept more refugees. They will get �6,000 per person for the first year, �5,000 per person for the second year and �4,000 in subsequent years.

Caritas joins a campaign to end immigration detention of children around the world

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and Caritas Internationalis welcome and support the campaign that aims to appeal to states to take the necessary measures to end the immigration detention of children.

Caritas Europa strengthens ties with Caritas Hungary

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa had fruitful and constructive meetings with Caritas Hungary last week. Caritas Europa�s secretary general met with Caritas Hungary leaders, the president of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops�Conference and political leaders to re-establish ties.

Lebanon needs $1million to help Syrian refugees

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Lebanon is appealing for more donations to help the growing number of Syrian refugees in the country. Over 26,000 are now in the country according to Caritas findings from a research completed last month.

Caritas pushes EU to let immigrants bring their families

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa is requesting the European Union to ensure immigrants can bring their families in an open letter. Its executive board, which met in Brussels earlier this week, wants the confederation �to guarantee respect for the right to family life for non-EU nationals and their families living in the EU�.

Syria to receive �350,000 from Caritas Germany

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

GERMAN charity Caritas International is appealing for a �350,000 donation to Syria. It has already given has already given food, blankets and heaters to 5,000 refugees in Jordan and Lebanon.

More volunteering in Greece will help families survive crisis

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

GREEK Caritas Athens is encouraging more people to volunteer during the country�s worst financial crisis ever. Over 130 people attended a workshop organised by the Greek Caritas Europa member organisation.

Statement and Recommendations on the future EU funding in the area of migration and asylum 2014-2020

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Merging existing asylum and migration related funds, as the European Commission proposes, can be a good step, if it increases coherence between EU financial instruments, Caritas Europa says at parliamentary hearings.

Caritas calls on Church and world leaders to do more for women

Thu, 8 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

"The current system is failing to protect women", says Caritas Internationalis. Read more on what CI is doing today to commemorate 'International Women's Day'.

International Women's Day - video on a Luxembourg celebration

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tomorrow women around the world will be celebrating 'International Women's Day'. Caritas Luxembourg has launched a video to invite women (and men!) to take part in the celebration.

Three top Catholic charities and their networks in Europe and the world meet to set agenda

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The heads of the three largest Catholic charities and networks in Europe and in the world held their first yearly meeting last week. Caritas Internationalis, Caritas Europa and CIDSE met to strengthen ties in what they hoped was the first of a series of future annual meetings.

Caritas Europa asks for solidarity in the field of asylum

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The European Committee of the Regions met with Caritas Europa and regional authorities to improve cooperation on asylum. The Committee is drafting an opinion in a report called "Enhanced intra-EU solidarity in the field of asylum � An EU agenda for better responsibility-sharing and more mutual trust". The meeting focused on questions raised in a document titled �Enhanced intra-EU solidarity in the field of asylum� that the Committee of the Regions published early last month.

Caritas Europa�s response to EC�s Green Paper: Focus on factual harmonisation of the right to family reunification

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa has contributed to a Green Paper from the European Commission on the Family Reunification Directive. CE response also included contributions from several member organisations.

Homage: Death of former Secretary General 10 years ago

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa is paying homage to its former secretary general Hermann Icking, who died on this month ten years ago. �He was a real philosopher, with thousands of ideas,� says CE President Erny Gillen.

Human Trafficking on the rise in UK

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

London - the new target for human traffickers with the Olympics less than five months away. An estimated 800,000 women are trafficked into the European Union each year.

Winter Emergency Response Activities Shape up in Eastern and South Eastern Europe

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas organisations react to severe winter conditions leaving hundreds of thousands isolated in Eastern European villages, without access to food and basic services.

Spanish University Calls for Volunteers After New Shocking Poverty Figures

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Over 2,000 students participate in Murcia�s Catholic university's week of seminars of volunteering and charity in Cartagena.

11 Million Spaniards at Poverty Risk with 30,000 Already Homeless

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A New Report from Caritas Spain on the country�s poverty has made national headlines after its launch has revealed these shocking figures.

CAFOD�S Lent Campaign: Clean Water

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas member CAFOD in England has launched a lent campaign to help more people have access to clean water. The �Thirst for Change� campaign includes a petition to sign an email to British Prime Minister David Cameron requesting him to address the problem in May�s G8 meeting.

Caritas Greece Faces the Economic Crisis. Caritas Europa Urges Decision Makers in Greece and the EU to Put People First

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Greece is working harder than ever to help people who are suffering from the country�s financial disintegration. �The Greeks are now only employing Greeks so immigrants remain stuck here.�

200 Thousand Homeless Street Children in Ukraine. Will They Survive the Cold?

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Ukraine continues to tackle the increasing number of homeless children, one of the country�s biggest sociological problems, who are now facing a harsh winter. Take a look at this video, "You can remove me, but not the problem".

New Statistics: Poverty Increasing in Europe. Caritas Europa Deeply Concerned

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Eurostat confirms what Caritas had already feared; poverty is still rising in Europe. In 2010, 115 million people, over 23% of the population in the EU27, were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Children are at greater risk; 27% of children below 18 affected by poverty.

Holy See Statement: Important Step for Caritas Europa to Advocate for Rights of Migrants

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It gives us possibilities to advocate for the rights of migrants so we are happy that the work in this area by many Caritas organisations is acknowledged in the speech of the Holy See," says Caritas Europa's Head of Advocacy.

Caritas Europa's Secretary General Supports Eurodiaconia�s Call for Action to Tackle Increasing over Indebtedness

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A new policy paper suggests that household debts in the EU have become a symptom of a broader social crisis as more and more people are pushed to borrow money to pay for daily living costs.

Shadow Report: Irish Government Not Reaching Its Own Targets on Europe 2020 Strategy - Failing Poor and Vulnerable

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Key targets that the Irish Government set as part of the Europe 2020 Strategy are not achieved, according to a new study from Social Justice Ireland that builds on Caritas Europa�s Shadow Report 2011.

Improving Conditions for Caritas in Belarus

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The conditions for Caritas Belarus have improved over the last years, resulting in additional projects for people in need in the country. Last week Caritas Belarus organised a Partnership Conference, attended by delegates from several European Caritas organisations.

Director of CAFOD Favours Adoption of a Financial Transaction Tax

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

"Adopting an FTT at EU level is the right thing to do," says Chris Bain, member of Caritas Europa Executive Board.

Caritas Europa Takes Part in a Research on Social Dialogue in the Sector of Social Services

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Spain will conduct a national research in a project which aims to redress the lack of qualitative and quantitative data on labour and social dialogue issues in the sector of social services from the perspective of employers.

Caritas Stories: Czech Caritas supports a project to support prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancer in rural areas of Georgia.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Project has run since 2010 with the support of the Czech Republic, particularly, by the Czech development agency.

Voluntary Work in Poland for More Than 30 Years

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Konrad Barczak started voluntary work in Poland 10 years before the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. After over 30 years of voluntary work, he was warmly welcomed at Caritas Europa HQ in Brussels.

Pope Benedict�s New Year Mass: Young People Offer New Hope to the World

Mon, 2 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In the New Year's Message, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI paid special attention to the young, many of who are struggling to build a future for themselves in a time of financial crisis, but have the potential to become "builders of peace."

Out of the Shadow - Caritas Europa casts spotlight on situation of domestic care workers

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Find out all what was said and shared during our 2-day seminar: presentations, live blog, videos

European Development Days 2011

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa organised the seminar "Preventing a New Famine in the Horn of Africa: The role of the EU in building resilience", along with One, Oxfam and the Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) in Warsaw on 15-16 December.

Caritas Issues Shadow Report on Implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

National Reform Programmes must pursue an integrated approach that includes both economic and social dimensions to tackle more efficiently poverty and social exclusion in Europe.

Festival on Solidarity: Caritas Europa Underlines the Importance of Volunteering

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

600 volunteers from all corners of Europe welcomed at the European Parliament and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

Caritas World AIDS Day Call to Pharmaceutical Companies: Put the Lives and Future of Children above the Exclusive Search for Profit

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

800 children die every day of AIDS-related diseases, as less than 20% have access to the medicines they need to stay alive.

CE at European Development Days: How to Prevent Another Famine in Horn of Africa

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Together with Polish Humanitarian Action, OXFAM International and ONE, Caritas Europa participates in the panel discussions at the European Development Days in Warsaw.

Caritas Europa represents EU Civil Society Organisations at the Bureau of the European Integration Forum

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Verhaeghe was re-elected on behalf of Caritas Europa at the European Integration Forum Bureau.

European Caritas Organisations Worried About Lawless Situation in Areas of Colombia

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas' Working Group for Colombia denounces violation of human rights in areas where several armed groups are present.

Europe 2020 Strategy Must Include both Economic and Social Dimensions

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa delivers a �Shadow Report� on the Europe 2020 Strategy from the perspective of 16 Organisations in the Caritas Europa Network across the EU.

Peer review on Sweden: Care Receivers Are Resources, Not a Burden for Society

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In its comments in the European Commission�s peer evaluation, Caritas Europa insists on the need for a radical change at the basis of policy-making in the field of care policies

Caritas Ukraine: Europe must continue to support Ukraine's reform of its asylum system

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Ukraine fears that downgrades in the new European Common Asylum System might have a negative impact in the reform process undertaken by the government

"This crisis is not only about economics but also about ethics"

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Portugal's president, Mr. Eugenio Jos� de la Cruz Fonseca talks about the social impact of the crisis in Portugal and the work of Caritas to help the most vulnerables.

NGOs: EU Policies Violate the Rights of Poor People

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

EU policies have negative impacts on the developing world. Some EU policies are even doing more harm than good, says new CONCORD report.

Caritas Europa to issue Shadow Report on National Reform Programmes next week

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A team of 15 national Caritas organisations, along with Social Justice Ireland, have produced the Caritas Europa Shadow Report on the National Reform Programme (NRP) that will be submitted to the European Commission next week.

Caritas Europa looks back at own history

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Historical visit of Fr. Letsch and Mr. de Brandt to Caritas Europa, two men emblematic of what Caritas Europa is today. Call for contributions to remember the history of the network

CE Trans Regional Conference: Poverty is Increasing - Stop Talking, Start Acting

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and four Caritas organisations of the Carpathian Euro region call upon decision makers to put the poor and most vulnerable people first when tackling the financial crisis.

Caritas Europa with the victims of the quake in Turkey

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A Caritas Turkey team is on its way. Share your condolence message in our Have Your Say box

Humanitarian principles must remain the backbone of humanitarian aid

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa releases report on the European consensus on humanitarian aid and humanitarian principles, and calls on the EU to maintain the principles in the core of humanitarian actions

Every day is an International Day against Poverty

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Pre-crisis figures show almost 84 million poor in Europe, but we know that today�s figures would reveal a far worse scenario. More than ever, poverty calls us to ACT NOW!

Caritas Europa at EC Conference: We Advocate for Actions Against Poverty

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Secretary-General, Jorge Nu�o Mayer tells a European Commission debate that Caritas is ready to cooperate with all organisations in fighting against poverty in the world.

Caritas Europa's Peter Verhaeghe Awarded by Spanish Migrant Organisation

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Spanish migrant organisation ASILA has awarded Caritas Europa's Migration Officer, Mr. Peter Verhaeghe, with the Gold Award for his professional achievements in the field of migration

Caritas Europa Meets COMECE

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa aims to strengthen the relations with strategic partners, such as COMECE.

Caritas Europa to EC: No Discrimination of Workers on Grounds of Nationality

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa response to the European Commission's Public Consultation on Free Movement of Workers

Global Approach to Migration: Caritas Europa quoted in EC's Summary of Responses

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

"Migrants should have the opportunity to enter the EU for work, and return if needed or desired. But if migrants are within the EU and express this need or desire, assisted return should be offered," says Caritas Europa in EC's report.

Martha R. Skretteberg new Secretary General of Caritas Norway: We Can Make a Difference

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

"We must speak on behalf of the most vulnerable in a way that ensures that both the authorities and people of Norway increase their knowledge and engagement in relation to the challenges we face nationally and internationally."

Caritas Europa urges European and national policy makers to support the importance of volunteering

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Volunteering is essential part of Cartias' values, identity and actions.

Minister at Caritas Europa Summer University in Leuven: Volunteering Essential while Organisations like Caritas have Great Value.

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Flemish Minister Jo Vandeurzen addressed the Caritas Europa 2011 Summer University in Leuven.

Caritas Europa Mapping on Food Distribution to the Most Deprived People

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Food situation in seven European countries presented to the European Commisssion

Caritas in South Eastern Europe Strengthen their Emergency Capacity

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Romania reconfirmed as chair of the group. A new action plan for a two year programme on emergency response and risk reduction to be issued shortly.

Crisis in Spain: Caritas Issues Report on Social Reality

Fri, 8 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas helped 950,000 people in 2010. Amount applications soared with 102,2% between 2007-2010. Understaffed public social services and too strict rules exclude thousands from public help. Caritas reminds charities should be complementary to state, not a substitute

Caritas Europa Renews Membership of EU Leading Communication Platform

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The renewal this membership brings about new communication opportunities for all Caritas in Europe

People's Uprise in North Africa - What is Caritas doing?

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Thousands of people are still stuck in refugee camps in the no-man lands between Tunisia and Lybia. Learn more about the situation and what Caritas does to help

Next European Integration Forum to Cover European Commission Initiatives on Migrant Integration

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The event will be organised in November 2011. Caritas Europa's mandate as member of the Bureau of the Forum will end at the same time

Dag Albert B�rnes appointed Acting Secretary General of Caritas Norway

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Norway's former Secretary General, Ms. Kari-Mette Edem retired beginning of June. Her replacement, Ms. Rubiano Skretteberg will not start in the position until 1 August 2011. Meanwhile, Mr. B�rnes is ensuring a smooth transition period and guarantee the continuity of the work of the organisation

Caritas Europa signs joint letter to the European Council on the humanitarian crisis in Libya

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Ahead of the European Council on 23 and 24 June, eight non-governmental organisations, including Caritas Europa, urge the Heads of State and Government to give a strong signal of compassion with people in need of international protection and solidarity with the countries in the region

Michel Roy: The Caritas network is unique

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The former Advocacy Director of Secours Catholique and newly elected Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, Michel Roy tells Caritas Europa about his new role and his plans for the future (Inteview conductedi n French)

Caritas Advocates Full Rights for Migrants in Europe

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

"Migrants in a secure legal, social and emotional situation are better fit to participate and contribute to receiving societies," says Caritas Europa

A Breakthrough Step in the Integration of Roma People

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa wants to draw the attention to a breakthrough step in the ongoing debate on the integration of Roma people, thanks to a relevant document produced by the European Commission

Caritas Advocates Full Rights for Migrants in Europe

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

"Migrants in a secure legal, social and emotional situation are better fit to participate and contribute to receiving societies," says Caritas Europa

Caritas Bulgaria faces difficult challenges as country's population decreases at alarming rate

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

�The decrease of the population in our country is not a surprising event but a long observed and predicted tendency,� says Emanouil Patashev, Secretary General of Caritas Bulgaria in an interview with Caritas Europa.

Strengthening the network: Caritas organises training of trainers in the Common Management Standards

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Five members of the Caritas Europa network met in Prague on 9 June to organise a workshop for trainers in the Common Management Standards (CMS)

Caritas' Solidarity Festival Preparations Are Taking Shape

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The group of Caritas people working on the preparation of the Solidarity Festival met in Strasbourg on Thursday, 9 June 2011, to sum up the state of play of the preparations and decide on the next steps to take in order to ensure the success of the event

International Symposium on Volunteering: Citizens and Professionals in Action

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

120 participants from 29 countries attended an International Symposium in Freiburg, Germany, on 30 May and 1 June under the theme �Caritas and Parishes Working Together � Citizens in Action in Church and Community. What Volunteers can accomplish and what support the professionals should give.�

Migration Crisis in Italy: people still arriving to Lampedusa while France maintains border blockade

Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Situation is getting better in Lampedusa, while uncertainty remains in Ventimiglia

Sweden and Monaco join Caritas Europa

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa's International Policy and Advocacy Working Group President, Michel Roy appointed Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis

New Strategic Framework for Caritas Europa

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The 45 member organisations of Caritas Europa approved a new Strategic Framework for a ten years period from 2011 to 2020 at their annual regional conference in Rome on 21 May 2011

New Strategic Framework for Caritas Europa

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The 45 member organisations of Caritas Europa approved a new Strategic Framework for a ten years period from 2011 to 2020 at their annual regional conference in Rome on 21 May 2011

Caritas Europa expresses "heartfelt concern" to the people of Lorca

Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Secretary General Jorge Nu�o Mayer sends letter of support to Caritas Spain and the Diocese of Murcia on behalf of the Caritas organisations in Europe

Caritas Stories - Maryam: Caritas' reaction to Azerbaijan�s shattered educational system

Fri, 8 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Kateřina Zezulkov�, from Caritas Czech Republic, has visited the Caritas Azerbaijan education centre Maryam. A haven of hope for hundreds of kids to be properly educated without depending on a "fat wallet"

Summer University 2011 is taking shape

Tue, 5 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This year's edition of Caritas Europa's Summer University will have a whole new �look�.

Caritas Europa key-stakeholder in future review of the European Social Fund

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa has provided the European Commission a set of best practices on the European Social Fund and a series of recommendations to improve the efficiency of the fund.

Which Europe do we want?

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europe shares the concerns of the European trade unions and social movements regarding the increase of poverty in Europe

Japan Crisis update: 'Ganbaro' , the Japanase answer to earthquake tragedy

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In Sendai City, there are people sleeping in shelters whose houses didn�t collapse in the 9.0 magnitude earthquake on 11 March. The people come to the shelters because they�re afraid and they don�t want to be alone.

Japan Crisis: Caritas Japan visits earthquake-hit Sendai City

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Fr Daisuke Narui, Executive Director of Caritas Japan, blogs from Japan and shares his impressions from the field

Japan Disaster: Press release from Caritas Japan

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Japan stands in solidarity with all people who were affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Northern part of Japan

Caritas helps disaster prone communities in South Eastern Europe to better tackle the force of nature

Tue, 8 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas organisations in Romania, Albania, Serbia, Kosovo and Bulgaria are implementing an inter-regional project called �Disaster Risk Reduction in South Eastern Europe�

Caritas in Europe reflect on future strategy for Caritas Europa

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Member organisations of Caritas Europa met in Brussels on 10-11 February to discuss and identify the future challenges and priorities for the network and the secretariat to focus on during the next 10 years

European development policy must respond to people�s needs not to EU�s interests

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

What should the European development policy look like in the future? Caritas Europa tried to answer this important question by contributing to the consultation launched by the European Commission on their Green Paper entitled �EU development policy in support of inclusive growth and sustainable development: Improving the impact of EU development policy�

Committee of the Regions interested in Caritas' opinion on forthcoming directive on seasonal migration

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa casts the spotlight on potential loopholes in legal frame proposal on seasonal migration during contribution session to the Commitee of the Regions opinion on EU Commission's directive

Haiti: One year on

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas organisations across Europe are marking one year since a devastating 7.0 earthquake jolted Haiti. Learn more about their actions and commitments

Zero Poverty voices reach final destination

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The more than 135,000 anti-poverty signatures collected all over Europe through the Zero Poverty campaign have finally reached their final destination as Caritas Internationalis Secretary General, Lesley-Anne Knight handed them over to EU-representatives at the Closing Conference of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

We need new ways to calculate and redistribute economic growth

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa presents 130,000 signatures from across Europe, denouncing the scandal of poverty to the Belgian Presidency of the European Union

Calling for a global democratic green world based on sustainable growth

Tue, 7 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

European Development Days: Lesley-Ann Knight challenges the European Union to continue the work undertaken in 2010 to tackle poverty world-wide

World AIDS Day

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa expresses deep concern about the steep increase of HIV in Eastern Europe and calls for effective support systems for mobile and other vulnerable populations

The Female Face of Migration

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas migration experts from around the world gather in Saly, Nigeria to cast the spotlight on the reality of migrant women. Our migraton officer Peter Verhaeghe is attending the meeting and shares the content with us on Twitter

Secretary General Nu�o Mayer participates at Cor Unum's 3rd edition of Spiritual Exercises

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The exercises will bring participants closer to pope Benedict XVI's vision of the role of Church charitable organisations in the world of today

Caritas organisations strengthen communities on disaster risk reduction

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Organisations from Albania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Romania and Serbia have launched the regional collaboration project �Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction in South-Eastern Europe

South Sudan needs support from International Community to prevent humanitarian disaster

Fri, 8 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio in South Sudan is touring Europe to raise awareness of the dangers that South Sudan is facing in the run-up to next January's pivotal independence referendum

Church organisations jointly advocate social justice in Europe

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

EU decision makers welcome and support Church organisations� report "Do not Deny Justice to your Poor People " and its recommendations to drastically reduce poverty in Europe

Caritas Europa steps into a new era under the lead of its new Secretary General Jorge Nu�o Mayer

Fri, 1 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Officially confirmed by the Caritas Europa Regional Conference last June, Mr. Nu�o Mayer becomes today the first Spaniard to take the reins at the Secretariat of Caritas Europa.

African Church leaders visited Europe to discuss MDGs and ways to improve well-being of the people in Africa

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Their visit was an opportunity to present the position of the Church of Africa concerning the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of the pivotal UN Summit in New York on 20-22 September 2010

Caritas Europa marks World Humanitarian Day with Pakistan in focus

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa pays tribute to all humanitarian workers worldwide and renews its commitment to helping the vulnerable and suffering people

"Haiti government is putting its own interests before the interests of the people"

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The president of Caritas Europa, Prof. Erny Gillen, visited the island last week and is critical of the way the government of Haiti is dealing with the post-quake reconstruction process

Belgian EU Presidency sets fight on poverty in Europe as a key priority

Thu, 8 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa welcomes this orientation and remains hopeful it will not mean the non-fulfillment of earlier pledges to fight poverty globally

Rethinking healthcare in ageing societies: Home Care as a human alternative

Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa contributes to pivotal discussion concerning taking prevention and care out of hospitals in Europe

High Expectations on the Belgian EU Presidency

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa welcomes Belgium's plans to push forward an ambitious social agenda for Europe

Yes to an EU Framework Directive on Minimum Income

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa urges European Parliament's Committee for Employment and Social Affairs to support an amendment calling for such a framework directive as it would allow for a lasting and concrete legacy to the EY2010 for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

European Council Summit agreement on MDGs � A step in the right direction

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa welcomes EU leaders� decision to commit to the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals by 2015

The Right to Food should Prevail over Commercial and Geo-political Interests

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa sends letter to Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Cioloş on food security in developing countries

World Refugee Day 2010, 20 June - A Place to Call Home

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa marks 20 June as the World Refugee Day and remembers the millions of refugees and displaced persons across the globe. We also remember those who have lost their lives en route to Europe in search of a safe haven

Caritas Europa asks MEPs to support its recommendations on MDGs at Plenary vote in Strasbourg

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MEPs' vote to come out a couple of days before the European Council Summit of 17-18 June where the EU will adopt its common position ahead of the pivotal forthcoming UN High-level Meeting on MDGs next September

European Poverty Congress (Madrid, 4-5 June 2010): Caritas delivers political proposals to European decision-makers

Sat, 5 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Caritas Europa proposals (here available in EN FR DE ES) include targeted recommendations for combating poverty and social exclusion in Europe...

Regional Conference 2010: Erny Gillen re-elected as President, Jorge Nu�o Mayer will be the next Secretary General of Caritas Europa

Thu, 3 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas's Regional Conference elects Caritas Europa's leaders for the next four years in Madrid.

EU must rethink its development policies to better combat poverty

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa co-organises an international conference about the global impact of the anti-poverty policies of the European Union and its Member States

Repressive migration policies are doomed to fail as development policies do not structurally improve standards of living in developing countries

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa pleads for search of positive synergies between migration and development in recently issued Reflection Paper

Caritas Europa Annual Meeting on Communications and Fundraising held in Vienna

Thu, 6 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Since its first edition in 2004, the popularity of this event has been steadily growing as it offers an excellent opportunity to media and fundraising officers across the Caritas Europa network to meet and exchange experiences

Caritas urges EU to meet its commitments to Millennium Development Goals

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas has published a new position paper in which it asks the EU to respect its commitment to achieving the Millenium Development Goals by 2015

Caritas Europa, CIDSE and APRODEV produce joint commentary on food security

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa, CIDSE and APRODEV have written a joint response to the Commission's recent Communication on Food Security in anticipation of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meeting (10-11 May).

Haiti: �Thank you Caritas for helping us, our government has abandoned us!�

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas staff in Haiti works around the clock to deliver support to the victims in spite of very difficult sanitary, logistic and security conditions

Spring European Council's outcome on Europe 2020: a long way towards Zero Poverty

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Member States' failure to deliver targets on poverty raises doubt about EU leader's commitment to eradicating poverty

Caritas Europa tells new Commissioners about its priorities

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Starting with Commissioner Reding and Commissioner Malmstr�m, Caritas Europa is contacting a series of Commissioners holding portfolios covering the network's main fields of activity

International Women's Day: Caritas call for a greater inclusion of domestic workers

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For the modern day slave, her shackles are not made of metal but of psychological, physical and sexual exploitation. Domestic work in countries across the world is mostly done by women and in particular by migrant women

Gathering Civil Society and European Commission on development cooperation

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and CIDSE organise a North-South Forum on Development Cooperation, 2-4 March 2010, that will conclude with a public event at the European Parliament hosted by MEPs Thijs Berman and Bart Staes

Caritas delegation met with MEP Nathalie Griesbeck on Migration and Development

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ms Griesbeck, a member of the Justice and Liberties Committee, was briefed on Caritas� three main concerns regarding EU policies on migration and development

Meeting Cabinet of European Parliament President

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa meets the Head of Cabinet of the Euopean Parliament President, Mr. Jerzy Buzek to convey recommendations on key EU policy issues

Europe 2020: The protection of human beings and the environment must prevail

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa wants to seize this opportunity to urge EU-leaders to pursue an agenda that privileges the protection of the human being and the environment

Zero Poverty Act Now campaign launched at the European Parliament

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa made a powerful plea to end the scandal of poverty yesterday with the official launch of its Zero Poverty campaign, which was attended by a large number of MEPs and representatives of civil society

Caritas Europa welcomes the official launch of EY2010 for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The EU must start considering poverty as a major problem as latest poverty surveys reports of some 80 million people in Europe living below the poverty line

European coalition marks the launch of EY2010

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa, an active member of this coalition, seizes the occasion to call on decision makers to walk the talk on their pledges about combating poverty and social exclusion

Caritas Europa contributes to Commission's consultation on the EU 2020 Strategy

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa encourages the European Union to pursue an agenda that privileges the protection of the human being and the environment. It also urges EU decision-makers to stop relying welfare on the labour market only, but to see welfare as relying on three sources: paid employment in the labour market, solidarity within the family, and the wealth-redistributing and correcting institutional meechanisms provided by the welfare state

The right to food is a basic human right

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Smallholder, family based agriculture has proven to be the most sustainable way to enhance food security. Investments in agriculture, after being neglected for too many years, should increase while supporting local priorities

Launch of the Zero Poverty Act Now campaign: Programme available

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The event will take place on 27 January 2010 at the European Parliament from 12:00 to 14:00 hosted by MEP Elisabeth Schroedter. Caritas Europa President Erny Gillen will give an introduction to the campaign followed by a presentation of the new Caritas Europa Poverty Paper: Poverty Among Us

Migrants' contribution to our communities are not sufficiently acknowledged

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The International Migrants Day reminds us of the importance of recognising the participation and contribution of migrants in our societies

European Bishops urge the EU to decide on unilateral emission reduction by 30% by 2020

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Bishops from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom say that the EU have to show true solidarity with the poorest as they are the most affected by climate change

Caritas Europa to represent EU Civil Society as member of the Bureau of the European Integration Forum

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This election strengthens the network's role as a European key-actor in the field of migration and social inclusion

Caritas Europa contributes to Social Watch's Europe report

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many migrants are still vulnerable to all kinds of exploitation in Europe despite them being of great benefits for the region's economic, cultural and social development

Political will is the key to achieve equal rights and opportunities for all members of society

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For Caritas Europa, the aim of an integration policy should be to ensure equal rights and equal opportunities for all members of society. It is part of a larger process and policies for social inclusion and social cohesion

No new money - No deal! EU should revise its climate finance position to reach equitable deal in Copenhagen

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Faith-based organisations have issued actions that would make the EU�s climate finance proposal adequate and equitable if implemented before COP15

Supporting people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today, the 1 December, is World AIDS Day, a day which serves to focus attention on what everyone can do to support the estimated 33.4 million people currently living with HIV/AIDS

20 Years of Protecting Children

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child turns 20. However, it is not a time for celebration as achievements are still scarce...

Advocating Equal Rights at the European Integration Forum

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Representatives from Caritas Lithuania, Caritas Austria, Caritas Poland and Caritas Europa attended the European Integration Forum last week in order to push for equal rights and equal opportunities for all and in particular for migrants in Europe

Combining professional management and spirituality at 4th Management Forum

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Chief executives and managers of Caritas organisations in Europe are gathering today and tomorrow in Paris at the Caritas Europa 4th Management Forum to discuss the role and identity of Caritas on the national level.

Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum can serve poverty-eradication in Eastern Europe

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and its members from the Eastern Partnership countries have sent a written contribution to the Forum with recommendations to tackle effectively the challenges that migration brings about in the region

Advocating climate justice and greater policy coherence at the European Development Days

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa, along with several other organisations and institutions, organised a panel discussion entitled �The Copenhagen Climate Deal and the Right to Development� at the 4th European Development Days (EDD)

European faith-based networks worried about what role the EU will play in Copenhagen

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Secretary General of Caritas Europa, along with the Secretary Generals of two other faith-based networks, has sent a letter to top EU decision-makers asking them to ensure that the European Council will show leadership on climate change

Europe must do more to fight trafficking in human beings

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa presented its recommendations to fight more efficiently this modern-day type of slavery at the European Ministerial Conference on Trafficking held 19-20 Oct. in Brussels

Plea for more civil dialogue and social responsibility

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ukraine's first lady Kateryna Yushchenko in talks with Caritas Europa over current challenges to solidarity in Europe

The means to eradicate poverty are within arm's reach, let's use them!

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Caritas Europa remembers the more than one billion people that are living in poverty, while the world never has been as rich nor produced as much food as today

COATNET gets prepared for yet another year fighting trafficking in human beings

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Network of Christian Organisations against Trafficking in Human Beings (COATNET) held its Annual Conference under the title �Strengthening the Ecumenical Actions against Contemporary Dynamics of Human Trafficking�

South East Asia terribly hit by series of natural disasters

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

European Caritas organisations have joined the efforts of the Caritas Confederation to help the victims in the aftermath of the earthquake, the typhoons, and the tsunami that hit the region last week

Putting solidarity into action at the First Catholic Social Days for Europe

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa, with representatives of Christian Churches and of the EU Institutions, took part in this event to discuss solidarity as one of the fundamentals of Catholic Social Teaching and of the project of European unification

Caritas Europa trans-regional conference: Promoting dialogue on social issues

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Sixty attendees including participants from the border region between Poland, Germany and Czech Republic met and discussed ways to improve trans-regional cooperation on social issues

Update on Caritas' emergency actions in Europe

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Three weeks ago, Europe was hit by several small and medium scale emergencies in Albania, Georgia, and Turkey. The Caritas network has reacted immediately to these crises under the coordination of Caritas Europa

Commission�s proposal for a Joint EU Resettlement Programme is a step in the right direction

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa welcomes the European Commission's proposal as a tool that will tackle the current lack of cooperation, cohesion and coordination existing among Member States in this field

Caritas Europa Migration Forum promotes engagement for protecting the rights of migrant workers in Europe

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Caritas Europa network is currently gathered in Poland for its 6th Migration Forum (17-19 September) to review and update its advocacy strategy for protecting the rights of migrant workers in Europe

CE President meets major religious leaders in the Caucasus

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa President met with senior leaders of the major religious communities in the Caucasus this week in an effort to promote the plight of the poor and clarify the role of Caritas in this region

Caritas supports international efforts for review of the UN Convention Against Corruption

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

15 faith-based organisations worry about this landmark convention remaining just a well intentionated effort if the EU does not take the lead in forthcoming negotiations

Caritas Europa analyses ECHO's Annual Activity Report 2008

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The report draws the attention of the public to what the Commission is doing in response to emergencies, both to natural disasters or man-made conflicts

Bold expectations for next Commission's work on migration and asylum

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa has assessed the outgoing Commission's achievements and failures in the area of migration and asylum. The organisation also reveals its expectations for the next Commission in this field.

Christian organisations address EU on "Stockholm Programme"

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and partner organisations recommend EU's decision makers to invest in measures that address the social impact of migration as the forthcoming legislative agenda in the area of justice and home affairs is being shaped.

Europe, grasp the opportunity for global social justice!

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas urges European policy-makers to make a difference for the poor of the world.

Caritas' perspective on CSO Development Effectiveness

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and Caritas Czech participated actively at the CSO Development Conference held on 23-24 June in Prague.

Anti-trafficking: New position paper by Caritas Europa and its partner organisations

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas issues comments on the Proposal for a Council Framework Decision on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings.

Caritas Europa's remarks on the new EU "Blue Card System"

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On May 25th, 2009, the EU Council adopted the so-called �Blue-Card Directive�, aimed at facilitating entry and residence of third country citizens for highly-qualified employment.

Caritas call to action in the face of the crisis

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On April 27-30, 2009, the Social Policy Forum of Caritas Europa brought together in Prague Caritas experts from all over Europe. The forum resulted in a call to action in the face of the crisis

Caritas Europa Annual Meeting on Communications and Fundraising held in Brussels

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since its first edition in 2004, the popularity of this event has been steadily growing. The gathering offers an excellent opportunity to persons responsible for media and fundraising across the Caritas Europa network to meet and exchange.

Caritas calls on the EU to put commitments towards the poor at the heart of G20 talks

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On the occasion of the G20 summit, which is being held tomorrow in London, Caritas asks European leaders to bring back ethics in economy and keep their promises towards the people living in poverty through delivering aid and policy coherence for development.

Christian organisations welcome Commission's amendments to Dublin Regulation

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The proposal for amendments includes important elements of improvement and a serious attempt to address the many protection gaps that are found within the current system

Caritas Europa asks the EU to take impact of crisis in migration and development into consideration

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa warns about seamy side of current protectionist measures taken by some Member States to deal with the impact of the crisis on the labour market.

Caritas Europa encourages EU leaders to surmount differences on key-provisions of the reviewed Directive on Reception Conditions

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa supports partially the proposal from the European Commission for amendments to the directive since it brings important improvements to the current legislation.

Caritas Europa strategises on sustainable financing

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following changes in the Caritas Europa internal mechanism of the European Solidarity Fund (ESF), member organisations gathered in a workshop aimed at strenghtening sustainable financing.

Caritas Europa network mobilised to reach European ministers on climate change

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Worried about the consequences of not reaching a positive agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (7-18 December), the Caritas Europa network has mobilised to advocate a stronger EU commitment.

European Commission's Communication on climate change "not strong enough"

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas and CIDSE have analysed the propositions of the European Commission and urge EU leaders to show greater ambition and leadership during the next EU Spring Summit.

Caritas Europa calls on EU leaders to acknowledge importance of social inclusion

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With the current economic crisis developing into social instability, Caritas Europa wants to send a strong warning to the European ministers of employment and social affairs about the importance of a quick and effective coordinated reaction to tackle as efficiently and as early as possible the social impact of the crisis.

Caritas Europa presents its Annual Work Plan 2009

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bringing together the human, technical and financial resources of all the Caritas organisations throughout Europe to promote human development, social justice and sustainable social systems.

Meeting the forthcoming Czech EU Presidency on Caritas Europa main activities

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the framework of its traditional advocacy work towards the successively forthcoming holders of the EU Presidency, Caritas Europa met representatives of the future Czech EU Presidency for an informal dialogue on relevant policy issues.

Caritas Europa discuss migration and asylum with forthcoming Czech EU Presidency

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Caritas Europa delegation is meeting today the Czech Republic�s Ministry of Home Affairs and Director of the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy, Mr Tomas Haisman at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Prague.

Caritas Europa comments on EC proposals for regulating labour migration to the EU

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and its partner organisations representing Churches throughout Europe - Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant and Roman Catholic - as well as Christian agencies particularly concerned with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, have recently provided a response to the Commission's proposals on instruments regulating labour migration to the European Union.

Underpinning the network's advocacy capacity in the field of migration

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today ended the 4th edition of the biennial Caritas Europa Training on Migration and Asylum (Brussels on 24-26 September). Seventeen participants gathered under the theme "Advocacy: Making Civil Societies� Voice Heard in Policy Shaping" to strengthen their advocacy skills.

Advocating Roma integration at the European Social Forum

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa was represented at the lastest edition of the European Social Forum (Sweden, 17-21 September), where it contributed to a workshop dealing with the need for a real and effective inclusion of the Roma in Europe.

Caritas holds 3rd Management Forum

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hosted by Caritas Hungary on 10-11 September in Budapest, the Caritas Europa 3rd Management Forum was held with the theme �Caritas: Professionalism, the Formation of the Heart and our Faith�.

Will development aid work after the Accra High-Level Forum?

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Internationalis delegation is attending the OECD 3rd High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness. Aiming to review how aid is being spent in order to make it more effective, Caritas delegate Rene Grotenhuis fears that political unwillingness from key-role donors could stop the Forum to deliver any major improvement for the poor in developing countries

Caritas Poland and Caritas Croatia contribute to relief efforts in Georgia

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Poland and Caritas Croatia respond to the emergency situation in Georgia created by the short but intensive war between Russia and Georgia over the pro-Russian breakaway region of South Ossetia.

On the field testimony: Caritas Georgia provides help as amount displaced rises

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony from Caritas Georgia - As a result of the hostilities between Russia and Georgia, numerous internally displaced people (IDP) have escaped from the conflict region. Caritas Georgia is committed to their faith and has engaged itself in several emergency actions to cope with their needs.

Additional help from European Caritas organisations to war-stricken Caucausus

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Further to a first humanitarian aid delivery from the Caritas Internationalis Confederation to assist the victims of the conflict between Russia and Georgia over the breakaway region of South Ossetia, European Caritas organisations are engaging in new economic support to help the local Caritas cope with the needs of the victims.

European Caritas organisations help victims of conflict in Georgia

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

On the 8th of August, news agencies reported about fights between Russian and Georgian troops over the Georgian breakaway region of South Ossetia. Promptly following the start of hostilities, several European Caritas organisations took the initiative to allocate important resources to support the relief activities of Caritas Georgia and the local Caritas in North and South Ossetia.

Towards an EU Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction in Developing Countries

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Further to the Stakeholders Meeting on Disaster Prevention in April 2008, the European Commission � DG Development � launched a public consultation aimed at gathering opinions on disaster risk reduction with the view of informing the development of an EU Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Developing Countries.

Caritas Europa satisfied with Summer University 2008

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa is satisfied with the result of the participants' final evaluation of the Summer University 2008. "Collected feedback reveals that participants were pleased with the content and organisation of the whole event", said Janusz Galeziak, Caritas Europa Senior Social Policy Officer.

EU�s Impact Assessment Guidelines must improve to better contribute to poverty eradication

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa has answered to the European Commission's consultation on the draft Impact Assessment Guidelines (IAG). Its response was officially submitted on 25 July.

Caritas Europa co-organises event at UNHCR Annual Consultation with NGOs

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Faithful to its global engagement with asylum seekers and refugees, Caritas Europa has attended the 20th edition of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Annual Consultation with NGOs, held in Geneva 25-29 June 2008.

Caritas Europa issues statement on EP's vote on Return Directive

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa, the network of 48 Caritas organisations present in 44 European countries, expresses its concern with regard to the outcome of the final debate and vote in the European Parliament on the proposal for a directive on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals, the so-called Return Directive.

Caritas Europa meets France�s Immigration Minister ahead of EU Presidency

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As France prepares itself to chair the EU Presidency in less than a month, a delegation composed of representatives from Caritas Europa and national Caritas organisations of the next three EU Presidency countries (France, Czech Republic and Sweden) met Brice Hortefeux, France's Minister for Immigration, Integration, National Identity and Co-Development, at his cabinet in Paris on 9 June 2008.

Caritas Europa signs Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and Microsoft, worldwide leader in software services have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (�MOU�) that aims to establish a close collaboration in the area of information technology.

Caritas Europa issues updated Reflexion Paper on EU's retention centers

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Since many years, every summer we experience human tragedies in the Mediterranean sea: Human beings on small and often fragile or old vessels get in distress at sea, some of them loosing their life, others being rescued or intercepted at sea. People end up in reception centres on the Canary Islands, at Lampedusa to name only the ones making the headlines.

Global attention on new report from Caritas Europa partner

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa partner, the Von Hugel Institute of the University of Cambridge, launches today a new report that has already attracted global attention.

Annual Meeting on Communications and Fundraising 2008 to be held in Zagreb

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa held its Annual Meeting on Communications and Fundraising in Zagreb on 5-6 June 2008. The event was co-organised and hosted by Caritas Croatia.

Caritas Europa contacts MEPs ahead of crucial voting on Return Directive

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa, the Conference of European Churches, the Commission of the Bishops' Conference of the European Community and the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe have sent a joint letter to all Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in a last attempt to make them aware of a series of critical points included in the proposed Return Directive before a crucial voting scheduled for 18 June 2008.

8th Migration Study with focus on inclusion and integration

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gathering twenty migration experts from 17 Caritas organisations, Caritas Europa held its 8th Migration Study in Vienna, 28-31 May 2008.

New tools for project reporting to strengthen member organisations� internal work

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and member organisations have developed two new tools for project reporting that will improve the communication and efficiency in projects financed and co-financed by Caritas organisations.

Update on European Caritas organisations reponse to Myanmar emergency

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Almost a month after the ravaging passage of cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, aid is still restrained by tight restrictions imposed by the ruling junta. Although visas are being granted more swiftly, red-tape decisions are still impeding foreign aid to be fully operative.

European Caritas organisations support local partner's quake emergency response in China

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Several European Caritas organisations are supporting the relief work of local partner Jinde Charities in the aftermath of China quake.

European Caritas organisations respond massively to Myanmar emergency

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

European Caritas organisations have responded massively to the emergency situation in Myanmar. Over one million euro to initial aid distribution has been allocated while more funds are being collected.

Caritas Europa finds the Commission study on seasonal workers �too narrow�

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa has contributed to an Impact Assessment study on a planned proposal for a directive on seasonal workers. After a broad consultation with its member organisations the network found the assessment to be too narrow and to fail to address certain important points related to the topic.

Caritas Europa calls for clear priority of social dimension in EU budget

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Responding to a public consultation launched in September 2007 by the European Commission on the review of the 2008/2009 EU Budget, Caritas Europa urges the EU to give social dimension a clear and strong priority in the EU budget.

European Caritas organisations look closely at Zimbabwe crisis

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas England and Wales (CAFOD) as well as Caritas Ireland (Tr�caire) are very worried over the political uncertainty prevailing in post-election Zimbabwe.

European Parliament will adopt Written Declaration on ending street homelessness

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The initiative urging the European Parliament to adopt a Written Declaration on ending street homelessness by 2015 has reached the required number of signatures in time.

Caritas Europa proposes amendments to the Reception Conditions Directive

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ahead of the European Commission's forthcoming proposal for amendments to the Reception Conditions Directive, Caritas Europa approaches DG Freedom, Security and Justice with a series of own suggestions for amendments.

Protest against Commissioner Louis Michel at EU-ACP Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Upon his arrival at the Joint Parliamentary Assembly of EU and ACP countries, Mr. Michel was presented with a line up of civil society activists and MPs carrying the message �Brussels made the Economic Partnership Agreements will not fit ACPs.

Caritas Europa provides information briefing for forthcoming French EU Presidency

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Over the past years, Caritas Europa has gathered broad experience in exchanging with the Member States designated to hold the EU presidency. This exchange aims to present Caritas Europa's positions and recommendations in a dialogue on policy issues that are relevant to the presidency's political agenda.

Caritas and CIDSE stand together against poverty

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and CIDSE organised a seminar on November 13-16 in Arusha,Tanzania on "Changing dynamics and strategies in cooperation and partnership for sustainable funding".

Caritas Europa encourages inter-institutional on European Year 2010

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Representatives of the European Commission, the Slovenian EU presidency and the European Parliament met last Tuesday at the European Parliament in Brussels for a roundtable/dinner event, co-organised by Caritas Europa and sponsored by Ms Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, MEP from Luxembourg.

Caritas Europa reacts to Commission's consultation on 'active inclusion'

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa answered last week to the European Commission Consultation on "Modernising social protection for greater social justice and economic cohesion: taking forward the active inclusion of people furthest from the labour market".

Caritas Europa answers to Consultation on a new social vision for Europe

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa answered last week to the European Commission Consultation: "Opportunities, access and solidarity: towards a new social vision for 21st century Europe" that was launched by the European Commission in the framework of the renewal of the EU Social Agenda by mid-2008.

Caritas Europa joins major European networks' call on MEPs to end homelessness

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

At the initiative of the European Federation of National Organisations working with the Homeless (FEANTSA), 14 major European networks, including Caritas Europa, have called on Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to show political commitment to end homelessness.

European Caritas organisations help Caritas Cameroon cope with Chadian refugee wave

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Fights between the government�s army and rebel factions in Chad have forced thousands of people to flee for their life. Almost 50,000 have crossed the border into neighbouring Cameroon.

Violence persists in Kenya despite calls for peace

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kenya is sinking into what seems to be an unstoppable spiral of violence. The political turmoil that swept the country right after the last presidential elections have lead to the assassination of more than 1000 people, compelling hundreds of thousands to leave their home.

Caritas Europa supports nomination of 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

Mon, 4 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa supports the European Commission's designation of 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.

European Caritas organisations committed to Kenya

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

European Caritas organisations continue to work intensely to support the enormous relief work that is being deployed by the Church and other partner organisations in the field.

Christian organisations address concerns about draft Return Directive

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and three other Christian organisations have addressed a letter to the Presidents of EU institutions expressing their concerns about recent developments concerning the European Commission's proposal for a Directive on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals (Return Directive).

Caritas Europa campaigns to end street homelessness

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa supports the initiative of five Members of the European Parliament (MEP) urging the European Parliament to adopt a written declaration against homelessness.

European Caritas organisations help victims of Kenyan political turmoil

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

European Caritas are deeply appalled by the dire acts of violence committed in Kenya as political turmoil broke up following the recent presidential election.

Emergency Forum laid foundation for future advocacy efforts of Caritas Europa in the humanitarian area

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa held its 5th Emergency Forum on the 2nd and 3rd of October, 2007 in Brussels with more than 30 participants from 18 different member organisations from throughout Europe. The agenda of this year, to a large extent, focused on the relationship that Caritas agencies hold with the European Commission Humanitarian aid Office (ECHO).

Caritas Europa held 5th Migration Forum

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa held its 5th Migration Forum on the 20-22 September 2007 in Costa de Caparica, Portugal. Entitled "Building Bridges or Barriers? - Exploring the dynamics between migration and development", the event focused on the links between migration and development.

Caritas Europa 5th Migration Forum shines spotlight on link between migration and development

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Entitled "Building Bridges or Barriers? - Exploring the dynamics between migration and development", the event will focus on the links between migration and development. Caritas Europa will seize the opportunity given by the Forum to express its plea for the migrants' right of movement between countries of destination and origin.

Caritas Europa advocates a common EU asylum system

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa calls on the European Commission to work towards the quick development of a Common European Asylum System (CEAS) in a joint comment to the European Commission�s Green Paper Consultation on CEAS.

Caritas renews recommendations on EU migration and asylum policy

Wed, 1 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Concerned by the multiple cases of EU member states breaching human rights when dealing with migration and asylum, Caritas Europa publishes a renew version of the joint position paper �Towards a Balanced Approach in EU Migration and Asylum Policy � 12 recommendations�.

Caritas Europa reaches out to Portuguese EU Presidency

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In the framework of its traditional "Troika Meetings", Caritas Europa came together with the (forthcoming) Portuguese EU Presidency on 18 and 19 June in Lisbon to discuss EU policies on migration and asylum. The Caritas delegation met Dr. Pedro Silva Pereira, Minister of Presidency, and other representatives of the Portuguese government, including the High Commissioner for Migration and Intercultural Dialogue, Mr. Rui Marques.

Caritas Europa at EESC hearing on Migration and Development

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa contributed to the hearing on Migration and Development held by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 11 June 2007. The EESC organised this hearing session as part of the process of drafting its own opinion on the topic. The Committee's opinion will be taken into account by decision makers in the European Institutions.

Caritas Europa welcomes Commission�s proposal on asylum

Wed, 6 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa welcomes the proposal of the European Commission to push EU states to share the "asylum seeker burden" more equally. EU Home Affair commissioner Franco Frattini tabled this proposal on 6 June 2007. Caritas Europa considers this initiative as an opportunity to give refugees the same level of protection across Europe.

Thumbs down to Luxemburg's list of �safe countries of origin�

Wed, 16 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa strongly supports the position of Caritas Luxembourg within the Luxembourgian Council of Refugee Organisations, which has expressed its concerns about government�s plans to establish a list of �safe countries of origin�.

Caritas Europa satisfied with its 7th Migration Study Visit

Sat, 12 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa organised its 7th Migration Study Visit in Sofia, Bulgaria on the 9-12 May. The visit gathered migration experts from several member organisations. They were introduced to the strengths and challenges faced by the Bulgarian asylum and migration system, a country that constitutes the south eastern border of the European Union.

European Community aid needs changes to really help the poor

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa and CIDSE have put together a report on the impact of the current European Community development cooperation on the lives of the poor in the South. The report, entitled �The EU�s Footprint in the South: Does European Community Development Cooperation Make a Difference for the Poor?�, draws upon research in six countries: Bangladesh, Zambia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

Satisfactory combined Management Forum and workshop on Organisational Development

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Organised once a year, the Management Forum aims at developing cooperation and exchange among member organisations on global management issues. This year�s Management Forum was combined with an Organisational Development workshop. The two events took place in Brussels on 5-7 March; and were attended by 18 participants representing more than 15 member organisations.

Caritas Europa satifisfied with participation at World Social Forum 2007

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa�s representatives are satisfied with the level of participation at the workshop "Reducing vulnerability, promoting opportunities: North-South cooperation to improve coherence between migration and development policies�, that was held on 21 January at the World Social Forum.

EU has no intention to ratify 1990 UN Convention on Protection of Rights of All Migrant Workers

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Reacting to a Communication of the European Commission on �Policy priorities in the fight against illegal immigration of third country nationals�, a group of six Christian organisations submitted to the Vice-president of the European Commission (EC) and Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice, Franco Frattini a joint comment including their concerns about current EU migration strategy, which hampers "a fair, open and transparent legal labour migration channel to the EU, both for skilled as for unskilled workers".

Caritas Europa and CIDSE meet European Commission on cooperation with Civil Society

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

January marks the beginning of a new European Union financial framework for the period 2007-13, bringing a new set of budgetary instruments for European Community (EC) development cooperation. This new context is an opportunity for improving the way in which the EC and civil society work together in development actions in the South.

Caritas Europa to hold workshop on link between migration and development at the World Social Forum 2007

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa will participate at the World Social Forum (WSF) 2007 by holding a workshop on the link between migration and development, entitled: "Reducing vulnerability, promoting opportunities: North-South cooperation to improve coherence between migration and development policies".

Successful Social Policy Forum 2006

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The bi-annual Social Policy Forum provided all persons responsible for social issues in Caritas Europa�s Member Organisations with the opportunity to meet and exchange their experiences.

UN recognition to Caritas Europa work

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas� contribution to Report on International Migration and Development and Caritas� 3rd Poverty Report in Europe 2006 gets recognition from UN.

Caritas Europa and ECRE hold Integration Conference

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The conference, which took place in Brussels 23 June, was part of a 2 days long seminar on Integration of third countries nationals in Europe, organized by Caritas Europa and ECRE in the framework of their joint project: NGO Network of Integration Focal Point. The conference was introduced by Mr. Sukhvinder Stubbs (Barrow Cadbury Trust) and Mrs. Mimount Bousakla (Senator in the Belgian Senate), and consisted of several lectures on the six integration areas identified and the key recommendations developped by the Network.

Caritas Europa held 1st Home Care Forum

Thu, 1 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

On May 29th & 30th, 2006 Caritas Europa held the 1st Home Care Conference in Sofia. The importance of Home Care in European countries is widespread and has resulted in the decision of the Executive Board of Caritas Europa to integrate this work into the overall work of Caritas Europa. The Home Care Task Force was also created as a working structure of Caritas Europa under the auspices of its new Strategy 2005-2010 and the Strategic Priority I (Social Inclusion & Social Cohesion).

CIDSE-Caritas Europa Co-Financing Forum

Wed, 31 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Organized under the theme �Changing Dynamics and Strategies of Cooperation and Partnership for Funding between the European Union, European NGOs, Local Government and Southern NGOs�, the CIDSE-Caritas Europa Co-Financing Forum welcomed more than 50 participants, including representatives from 20 CIDSE and Caritas Europa members, 6 civil society partner organisations (Colombia, Nicaragua, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Georgia) and several European Union officials.

Caritas Europa comments EU Commission's Communication on Migration and Development

Mon, 15 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The joint document welcomes efforts to involve migrants associations in framing policies in all areas of particular relevance to them. A political commitment to the role of the diaspora would however need to be translated into specific programming of EU funding e.g. under AENEAS or AIDCO: diaspora association will often not be able to apply for and manage projects starting at a minimum grant level of several hundred thousand Euros

Caritas Europa's COATNET held seminar at the 4th European Social Forum

Thu, 4 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

COATNET, in cooperation with Secours Catholique, held the seminar �Fighting trafficking in human beings: is there coherence amongst policies in Europe? The role of civil society organisations� at the 4th European Social Forum, organised in Athens, 4-7th May 2006.

Caritas Europa establishes a Platform of Exchange for European Partners

Fri, 28 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa Network has established the Intra European Cooperation Forum in the framework of its Strategic Plan �To live solidarity and Partnership in Europe and in the World� as an instrument to enhance Intra-European coordination and partnership and to promote synergy in strategies, programs and activities and lead to more efficiency and greater effectiveness.

Training session on Conflict sensitive approaches to development and relief work

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Designed by Caritas Europa Development & Peace Officer, Aude R�vet and delivered by Adam Barbolet from International Alert, this training session was held in Brussels on 27 March 2006, as part of the collaboration that Caritas Europa and International Alert have been developing since 2005 in order to promote conflict sensitivity in development work among the Caritas Member Organisations.

Caritas Europa and ECRE hold Integration Focal Points seminar

Fri, 3 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The seminar took place in Vienna, 31 March and 1 April, and included a presentation of Integration Indicators, a discussion about the role of major cities and local authorities in Integration Programmes for migrants and refugees and a visit to the Caritas Vienna reception centre for asylum seekers: Braunspergengasse.

Europa Caritas support European Parliament challenge to Refugee Directive

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa together with other five Christian organisations sent a joint letter to MEP Giuseppe Gargani, expressing their support to the European Parliament's effort to challenge the directive 2005/84/EC on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing the refugee status.

Catholic organisations call for exemption of social and healthcare services from the scope of the ´Bolkestein´ directive

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas Europa, the Conference of European Churches, the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community and Eurodiaconia present common view regarding the first reading of the directive

Caritas Europa held 1st Management Forum

Fri, 2 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT

The first Caritas Europa Management Forum took place in Brussels, on 2 December, 2005. The Forum was attended by 26 participants from 21 member organisations. Most of the participants represented the chief executive level of the participating member organisations. The meeting was facilitated by Denis Vi�not, President of Caritas Internationalis.

Caritas Europa holds first edition of its Emergency Forum

Fri, 3 Jun 2005 00:00:00 GMT

25 Emergency desk officers from 17 Member Organisations across Europe came together in Brussels to attend Caritas Europa�s first Emergency Forum in 2005 on 2-3 June. The Forum, which was organised by the Humanitarian Aid Commission, was exclusively dedicated to providing high-level input to an ongoing process of reviewing the Confederation�s Emergency Mechanisms for responding to major emergencies.

Caritas MONA Forum on trafficking in human beings

Mon, 16 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Caritas MONA, one of seven regional structures of Caritas Internationalis, comprised of 16 member nations from the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and North Africa, held its Forum in Tunis on 11- 14 May 2005.

The fifth World Social Forum: a positive balance for Caritas

Mon, 31 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Denis Vi�not, President of Caritas Europa, deemed Caritas� presence at the Forum to have been very positive, with almost 500 delegates attending. Caritas seminars and workshops also benefited from the presence of Msgr Nelson Viola, the Ecclesiastical Advisor of Caritas Internationalis.