Shaping Europe: reflections of three MEPs

Book abstract:

This slim volume brings together the reflections of three MEPs on the European Parliament over the twenty years since it was first directly elected in 1979. Based on insider experience from the mainstream political traditions, Carole Tongue for the Socialists, Henry Plumb for the Conservatives and Florus Wijsenbeek for the Liberals, this book puts a human face on the politics of power in Brussels and Strasbourg.

The book starts with an analysis by Lord Plumb, the only Briton to have been President of the European Parliament. He writes against the background of the Thatcher years, battling against the Prime Minister's and Conservative Party's growing opposition to all things European. Florus Wijsenbeek writes on the early days of the Parliament when he served on its staff before he was elected. Finally Carole Tongue describes the demands and rewards of a life in European politics, in particular relating the battles surrounding the report she wrote on the Directive 'Television without frontiers' and its stormy passage through Parliament.

The authors write as much from their political as from their personal perspectives. This is a lively book which offers the reader telling insights into the continuing process of European integration.

Federal Trust books are distributed in the UK by Kogan Page.