Abstract
Europe was more than an economic project. From the beginning, European integration also carried a moral dimension, often inspired by Christian thought, which helped societies rebuild after war and trauma. The EU’s recent crises invited reflection on its historical roots. Yet, its history was often told through political negotiations and gradual compromises, overlooking the emotional and ideological forces that had shaped it. Early debates featured competing visions for Europe’s future, from ordo-liberalism to socialism. These intellectual battles formed the EU’s foundations. The project uncovered and analysed those early blueprints through the study of transnational and ecclesiastical networks that influenced integration.