Caritas-Europa - Headline

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.