European integration in the 21st century: Unity in diversity?

Book abstract:

This book acknowledges the growing significance of the European Union (EU) with respect to the whole continent, in terms of facilitating greater integration. By examining ways of striking a balance between unity and diversity, it examines the issues in both Eastern and Western Europe, providing discussions on numerous items of debate, as well as suggesting how integration might be developed in order to establish a meaningful European political and socio-community.

The work is structured into ten chapters, each with a different contributor. Chapter one looks at the historical process of the EU, which the editors maintain is crucial in understanding its future. Chapter two looks at the EU and the question of Eastern Europe, chapter three is on future paths to European security, and chapter four examines the future of small states in the EU. Chapter five offers a discussion on the development of integration in policing and criminal justice, chapter six assesses the potential of flexible integration in finding a path towards a 'network democracy', and chapter seven analyses the specific case of the euro. Chapter eight investigates the problem of social integration in the EU, chapter nine probes cultural policy and the notion of a European identity, and chapter ten discusses the possibility of a European language policy. The conclusions discuss the implications of possible European futures.

The book is aimed at anyone seeking to enrich their understanding of the European Union.