The government and politics of the European Union (8th edition)

Abstract:

The eighth edition of this publication takes into account ongoing developments and evolution of the European Union (EU). Major changes, recent developments, and the crises that have befallen the union in recent times are analysed within this context. This includes eurozone crisis, the migration crisis, and the United Kingdom's (UK) decision to leave the EU.

The author details the historical evolution of European integration, and provides the necessary context to the analysis of policies, process, institutions and treaties. This edition includes two new chapters on Member State Relations and Interest Representation. The final section considers concepts and theories with EU studies, providing a succinct, accessible introduction to theory, which can be read as standalone chapters.

Table of Contents:

• Setting the scene: the 'crises', the challenges, and their implications for the nature and operation of the EU
• Part I | The Historical Evolution
  • The post-war transformation of Western Europe
  • The creation of the European Community
  • The deepening of the integration process
  • The widening of the integration process
• Part II | The Evolving Treaty Framework
  • From Rome to Nice
  • The Constitutional and Lisbon treaties
  • Treaties and the integration process
• Part III | The Institutions and Political Actors of the European Union
  • The Commission
  • The Council of the European Union
  • The European Council
  • The European Parliament
  • European Union law and the EU's Courts
  • Other institutions
  • Interests
  • The Member States
• Part IV. Policies and Policy Processes of the European Union
  • Understanding EU policies
  • Policy processes
  • Making and applying EU legislation
  • Internal policies
  • Agricultural policy and policy processes
  • External policies
  • The budget
• Part V. Conceptualising and Theorising
  • Conceptualising the European Union
  • Theorising European integration and EU politics
• Conclusions: present realities and future prospects