European Union information: an introduction

Book abstract:

This guide is a very basic introduction to the European Union, its history, institutions and the publications and web sites produced about it. In all sections the aim of the booklet is to give very brief details followed by guidance as to where more detailed information can be found.

The booklet begins with brief definitions of treaties and agreements. This is followed by a brief chronology of the history of the European Union. A third section provides brief details of the institutions involved in the legislative process. Section 4, 'General Publications', gives an overview of the types and sources of official information that are available. This is followed by a series of sections that provide details of useful web sites; a bibliography listing key documents, books and journals about the EU; and finally a list of the type of institutions where information and official documents can be found is provided. Appendices include a list of acronyms and European institutions in order of protocol.

The guide is aimed primarily at information specialists but may be of use to students of European Studies who need a basic introduction to sources of European Union information.