The role of Christian churches in European integration

Mudrov, S

Abstract

This PhD thesis analyses the role of Christian Churches in European integration. We learn
that Churches are inalienable participants in the process of European integration; therefore it
is important to identify how they are placed within the European project and what their
contribution is. We show that social constructivism is the most adequate approach to the study
of the role of Churches in European integration.
This thesis contains six main chapters. Chapter One is dedicated to the analysis of the existing
theories of European integration. It identifies an important gap in the existing theories, which
largely overlook the religious factor in the integration process. Chapter Two analyses why and
how identity, non-state actors and religion are particularly relevant to European integration.
Chapter Three deals with research methodology. It argues in favour of the case study method
and justifies the selection of two case studies: Churches in the reform of the EU treaties and
Churches in the EU immigration and asylum policy. Chapter Four looks in detail at why
Churches should be regarded as unique participants in European integration. It also identifies
the confessional specificities of the Churches' involvement in the EU politics and the possible
level of their influence. Chapters Five and Six are dedicated to the case studies themselves. In
chapter Five attention is drawn to the role of Christian Churches in the process of recent
reform of the EU treaties (2001-2009). Specifically, it analyses the contribution of Churches
to the three main stages of this reform: the work of the Constitutional Convention, the Inter-
Governmental Conference and the Treaty of Lisbon. In chapter Six the focus is on the policy
level, with an analysis of how Churches contribute to the EU immigration and asylum policy.
It also discusses their contribution in a specific case, analysing the adoption process of the
Returns Directive.
The main original contribution of this thesis is that it establishes a comprehensive view of
Christian Churches as special and unique participants in European integration, as compared
with other non-state actors, considered in the analysis of integration by social constructivism.

Citation

Mudrov, S. The role of Christian churches in European integration. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Additional Information: Access Information : At the author’s request this item is not available. You may be able to access the hard copy by visiting the University of Salford Library
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2011