Thirty years of solidarity

Today in Rome, Caritas Europa held its annual Regional Conference, which is the main decision-making body of the European network composed of 49 members from 46 countries.

Among the main decisions taken, Ms. Maria Nyman, Secretary General since 2019, was confirmed for a second term. Her first mandate was marked by major global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the resulting cost-of-living crisis, all of which greatly affected the people Caritas serves. Ms. Nyman is more convinced than ever of the important role Caritas plays in society as an organisation living faith through action.

What I carry firmly in my heart is how Caritas stands with the people in the most difficult and marginalised situations, tirelessly working for social justice, always putting human dignity at the centre. It is with profound joy and honour that I will continue to serve the Caritas Europa network. In the midst of the multiple crises and dark hours of our recent history, Caritas is carried by hope and faith and makes a real difference in the lives of many millions of people.”

Maria Nyman, Secretary-General of Caritas Europa

Originally from Sweden, where she also attained her Master of Laws. Ms. Nyman has been based in Belgium for the past 20 years and is married with five children. She previously worked in organisations advocating for social inclusion and the protection of rights of people with disabilities and mental ill health.

The incumbent President, Msgr. Michael Landau, also begins his second mandate, following his re-election in 2022 at the Regional Conference in Athens.

During my first mandate I witnessed the heart-warming compassion and dedication with which Caritas Europa members encounter and accompany people affected by different crises, ensuring a dignified and decent life for all. I am honoured to dedicate my second mandate to supporting this unique humanitarian network in continuing the fight against poverty, fostering global justice and standing with those in the most vulnerable situations, many suffering even more now due to the rising cost of living and war in Europe.”

Msgr. Michael Landau, President of Caritas Europa

This Regional Conference also marks a change in the Executive Board of Caritas Europa as the members elected in 2022 begin their four-year mandate (2023-2027). The new Board is composed as follows:

• President: Msgr. Michael Landau;
• Vice-President: Tetiana Stawnychy;
• Members: Caritas Denmark, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Scotland, Slovakia and Ukraine.
• Youth representative: Caritas Switzerland.

Today, the network is also celebrating Caritas Europa’s 30th anniversary by acknowledging the successes of the work done and renewing its future commitments in a spirit of fraternal cooperation. Since its foundation in 1993, the network has delivered coordinated humanitarian response and vocally addressed structural causes leading to poverty and exclusion in Europe and worldwide. From the Balkan wars to the most recent economic and geopolitical crises and war, the network has supported people in the most vulnerable situations in our societies. Caritas will continue to be close to the people experiencing dehumanising poverty, exclusion and marginalisation, to those who are victims of natural or manmade disasters and to those who struggle due to loneliness, illness or despair.

Caritas Internationalis hosted the Caritas Europa Regional Conference amid its General Assembly that will take place on 11-16 May, where a new President and a new Secretary-General will be elected. On this occasion, Caritas Europa renews its heartfelt and concrete commitment to the confederation’s mission at the global level.