Europe, policies and people: An economic perspective

Book abstract:

Democracy is essentially an expression of the wishes of the people. This work examines the European Union and the claims made that it serves its people rather than the power players and lobbyists in Brussels, be they large corporates or highly organised special interest groups. The focus is primarily on economic policy and economics.

Organised in three parts, the first explores themes and issues within a historical context, covering the history and development of European integration in the second half of the twentieth century and including a detailed and carefully reasoned chapter on European style capitalism.

'People and Business' are the focus of part II with chapters on the new European business environment within the third largest trading block in the world, single currency, financial services sector, transport and the Common Agricultural Policy.

Part III centres upon people rather than policies and each of the three chapters considers a particular group of people at a significant point in their life history and evaluates the impact of the policies of the EU on their lives. They explore such issues as child care and welfare; working age groups; and old age and pension provision.

The editors conclude with a chapter focussed on the implications of EU policies upon insiders and outsiders, recognising that events within Europe have significance beyond Europe.

The work will be of general interest but particularly for scholars, students, policy makers and practitioners in the fields of European Studies, EU politics and commerce.