Extending European co-operation: The European Union and the ‘new’ international trade agenda

Book abstract:

Are we seeing the emergence of a 'European tribe' or is this too simplistic an explanation for the growing experience of increased co-operation in Europe? It is too simplistic for the author of this work, which provides a thoughtful analysis of why and how the member governments of the European Union (EU) engage in international negotiations concerning the 'new' issues of trade in services and foreign direct investment (FDI).

The book is organised over six chapters and is well supported by many tables and figures. Chapter one explores shortcomings restricting the analyses to explaining EU policy making with respect to trade in goods and provides case studies to illustrate these shortcomings and then moves on to an explanation of co-operation that incorporates elements of historical institutional analysis. Chapter two provides a historical overview of the adaptation of the institutions structuring the EU's foreign economic policy and establishes the broad institutional context within which is set each of the three case studies that follow in chapters three, four and five - 'Basic' Telecommunications Agreement - Multilateral Agreement on Investment - Transatlantic Air Services. The author establishes in each of these chapters the implications of the EU's acquis for co-operation among the member governments and identifies their economic interests. The concluding Chapter considers the future conduct of the EU's foreign economic policy, the nature of European integration and co-operation among states more generally.

The work will interest students, scholars and policy researchers in European Union studies, European Economics and International Affairs.