Synopses & Reviews
This important new text outlines the evolution and main themes of constitutional debate in the EU; the role of key institutions, notably the Intergovernmental Conferences and the European Court of Justice and the impact of the Convention method and of the constitutional text emerging from it.
Synopsis
Enlargement and treaty reform have moved Europe's constitutional debate into the political spotlight. This important new text outlines the main themes of constitutional debate in the EU, analyzes formal and informal constitution-building since the early days of European integration, and introduces the actors and structures behind treaty change.
Synopsis
This important new text outlines the evolution and main themes of constitutional debate in the EU; the role of key institutions, notably the Intergovernmental Conferences and the European Court of Justice and the impact of the Convention method and of the constitutional text emerging from it.
About the Author
Thomas Christiansen is Professor of European Institutional Politics at Maastricht University and also holds a position as Associate Professor at the European Institute of Public Administration in Maastricht.
Christine Reh is Lecturer in European Politics at University College London.
Table of Contents
Introduction * Conceptualising Constitutional Politics and Treaty Reform in the EU * The Evolution of the Constitutional Debate in the EU * Of Rights and Parties: Europe's 'Constitutional Dimension' * The Actors: Supranational Entrepreneurship and National Preferences * The Structure of Negotiation: The Institutional, Ideational and Legal Context * Beyond the 'Summit Bargain': The Process of Constitutional Politics * The IGC Process: Issue Framing and Agenda Setting * Intergovernmental Conferences: Multilevel Negotiation * After IGCs: Ratifying and Implementing Treaty Change * The Convention and IGC 2004: The Beginning of the End of Constitutional Politics? * Analysing the 'European Constitution'