Il dialogo tra l'Unione Europea e le organizzazioni religiose.

The EU legal order acknowledges the identity of religious communities and their specific contribution to the cause of European integration. For this reason, Article 17(3) TFEU commits the Union to maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with churches and religious organisations. This contribution analyses the meaning of this provision by clarifying the object, characteristics and purposes of such dialogue. Consequently, it takes into consideration how the relationship between the Union and religious organisations has been developed in concrete over the past years. Indeed, while the EU legal order has recognised the specificity of religious organisations and their mission, the latter have given an important contribution to the shaping of European policies and the advancement of the Union. Particular attention is paid to the role of Catholic institutions and associations.