European Union Politics

Preface
Introduction
PART I: HISTORY & IDEAS
Understanding Integration
What is the European Union?
Who are the Europeans?
Organizing Postwar Europe
Building a Single Market
Paving the Way to European Union
To Lisbon and Beyond
The Treaties
The Member States
PART II: POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
The European Commission
The Council
The European Parliament
The European Court of Justice
Specialized Agencies
Parties and Interest Groups
Elections and Referendums
Public Opinion
PART III: POLICIES
Public Policy in the EU
Economic Policy
Inside the Euro Zone
Agricultural and Environmental Policy
Cohesion Policy
Justice and Home Affairs
The EU as a Global Actor
The EU and the World

John McCormick

"This excellent textbook is an absolute 'must have' for anyone with an interest in the European Union. Bang up to date, and taking full account of the Lisbon Treaty changes, it is equally suited to those studying EU politics and government for the first time and those who wish to delve deeper into its intricacies." - Amy Verdun, University of Victoria, Canada "Accessible but thought-provoking, and based on an impressively deep knowledge of the European Union, this beautifully-written, comprehensive and thoughtful new introduction, seemingly effortlessly, makes a complex subject really come alive. My students will love it." - Jane O'Mahony, University of Kent, UK"Lively and vivid, this wonderfully accessible introduction to the principles, history, politics, policies, and effects of European integration will really help students penetrate the walls of incomprehension and complexity that too often surround fortress Europe." - Jonathon W. Moses, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway"An excellent up-to-date textbook combining clear writing with a deep knowledge of the European Union. I recommend it highly both for newcomers to EU Studies and for those who want to gain an in-depth understanding of the complexities, some would say 'mysteries', of European integration." Alberta M. Sbragia, University of Pittsburgh, USA"Comprehensive, authoritative and, above all, accessible with a lively writing style lightened by pertinent anecdotes and observations: a rare combination. It succeeds admirably in its objective of providing a systematically-integrated introduction for students approaching the study of EU politics for the first time." - Wyn Grant, University of Warwick, UK