European Union law and the Courts in The government and politics of the European Union. 4th ed, p242-278

The government and politics of the European Union. 4th ed.:

Another in the Macmillan European Union series, and written by the series editor, this is the new fourth edition of this popular text which provides a detailed analysis of the powers, influence and functioning of the EU's principal institutions and political actors and an analysis of its major policy interests and processes. The book has been thoroughly updated to include coverage of such key developments as enlargement, the Treaty of Amsterdam and Economic and Monetary Union. It also includes a new chapter on theorising and conceptualising European integration.

The book is divided into four parts. Part one, examines the historical evolution of the EU, including chapters on the transformation of Western Europe in the post-war period, the creation of the European Community and its development into the European Union, and the key Maastricht and Amsterdam Treaties. Part two looks at the institutions themselves and the political actors of the EU, while part three examines the policies and policy processes of the EU, including chapters on the budget, agricultural policy, external relations and national influences. Finally, the author reviews the period of the development of the EU, with chapters that move away from looking at the 'facts', and towards examining the insights provided by conceptual and theoretical perspectives. He considers the future prospects and challenges that lie ahead, including enlargement and policy and institutional reform. The book includes a useful chronology and guide to further reading in addition to the bibliography.

In addition to being a core teaching text on the EU, the book provides a useful reference work for both academics and practitioners in the field.