Values of the European Union: From Schuman’s Vision of Integration to Today’s Europe and its Departure from Christian Roots

Abstract

Goal – The aim of the article is to confront Robert Schuman’s vision of integration based on Christian values with the values of today’s EU pointing to the threats resulting from Europe’s departure from its Christian heritage. European identity, as a result of the rejection of the Christian values on which it was built, is currently in a crisis that threatens the existence of Europe. Research method – To achieve the purpose of the paper, a literature review was conducted and an analysis method was employed. The article also makes use of media articles, because the media currently play a significant role in shaping life values. The article is descriptive in nature. The manuscript has a journalistic-apologetic character. The article combines the fields of economics and also philosophy, and political science, showing that the issue of values is not confined to a single academic discipline. The starting point for the considerations presented in the manuscript is the identification of Christian values with the only “true” European values. Score/results – The analysis leads to the conclusion that cutting off the roots will result in moral relativism, constituting a threat to European integration and a crisis threatening the existence of the European Union. Economics and finance should not be considered in isolation from the Christian values on which the European Union was built. Originality/value – The results of the analysis may influence the increase in awareness regarding the consequences of the European Union’s departure from its Christian roots, as envisioned in the European integration vision by the Servant of God Robert Schuman. This analysis should serve as a starting point for further research on the crisis of values in the European Union. The issue is undoubtedly worth further academic exploration, because it is an important economic and social issue.