ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the governance of morality policies in the European multilevel space and argues that there is neither horizontal convergence in the politics of values across Member States nor vertical convergence between Member States and European Union (EU) institutions. The chapter explores the politicization, policy change and value-conflict of abortion, human biotechnology and prostitution across Member States and argues that the value-loaded conflicts at the national level play the role of an “agenda repellent” at the EU level. As a result, agenda denial is the norm, and it is unlikely that the EU will be able to play any role in reaching any other consensual status quo than the current one: non-intervention.