Synopses & Reviews
The European Union is the largest economic entity in the world and one of the largest political entities, with 493 million people in 2006. Fully updated for 2007 to include controversial and current topics such as the Union's enlargement and its role in ongoing world affairs, this accessible Very Short Introduction shows how and why the Union has developed, how its institutions work, and what it does--from the single market to the Euro, and from agriculture to peace-keeping and the environment. Pinder and Usherwood cover the entire history of the Union, examine the momentous changes that have taken place within the Union since 2000, and highlight the benefits, controversies, and lessons learned from programs such as its expansion into central and eastern Europe, and the circulation of the Euro. The book also examines the role of the European Union as a peace-keeper in Europe and beyond, sheds light on how it functions in world politics, looks at its role in supporting the rise of environmental politics, and considers the challenges and choices that lie ahead in the 21st century.
Synopsis
Over the past few decades, the European Union has seen many great changes. Negotiations for the accession of six new states have begun, and membership, which already covers almost all of Western Europe, will soon extend to most of Central and Eastern Europe. The Union's institutions have been reformed, and its powers may soon reach beyond the economy and the environment into the fields of foreign policy and defense. This thorough yet succinct introduction has been completely updated to take the many recent developments into account. John Pinder provides a detailed and coherent view of the evolution of the European Union, and investigates its future as Europe thrives in the new millennium.
About the Author
John Pinder, OBE, is an Honorary Professor at the College of Europe, Bruges and Natolin, and Chairman of the Federal Trust, London.
Simon Usherwood is Lecturer in Political, International, and Policy Studies at the University of Surrey.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
List of boxes
List of charts
List of illustrations
List of maps
1. What the EU is for
2. How the EU was made
3. How the EU is governed
4. Single market, single currency
5. Agriculture, regions, budget
6. Social policy, environmental policy
7. 'An area of freedom, security, and justice'
8. A great civilian power ... or more, or less?
9. The EU and Europe
10. The EU and the world
11. So far so good ... but what next?
Further reading
Chronology
Glossary
Memberships of European Organizations
Index