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ABSTRACT
This article looks at how Europe’s Christian churches seek to have their voices heard in the corridors and debating chambers of the European Union through official consultation mechanisms, as well as through more informal awareness raising, and grass-roots activism. On the EU side, Christian inspiration was present from the outset, though arguably neglected or obscured for long periods of its 70-year existence. As the Union in its most recent incarnation seeks to emphasise the values-based nature of the European integration project, it has renewed its outreach to the cultural ‘holders of value’, with churches being particularly prominent in the dialogue. Among the EU’s current priorities, both in terms of domestic policy and global strategy, the ‘Green Deal’ is centre-stage. In striving for its 27 Member States to be world leaders in integral ecological and human development, the Union has found enthusiastic and like-minded partners in the churches.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author. All views expressed are the author’s and cannot be considered as representing the position of the European Parliament.
Notes
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Additional information
Notes on contributors
Fearghas O’Beara
Originally from Dublin, Fearghas O’Beara has worked 25 years at the European Parliament (EP) in Brussels, Belgium, where he is head of unit at the EP Research Service. He previously administered Parliament’s consultations with churches and religious and humanist organisations on EU policies. He holds a master’s in European law and politics from University College Dublin and is currently working on a doctorate in public ethics at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.