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Book abstract:
Originating in the June 1998 joint conference of the United Kingdom Association for European Law (UKAEL) and the University Association for Contemporary Studies (UACES), this book brings together a collection of twenty-three essays that offer critical insights into the institutional and substantive changes to the European Community and Union resulting from the Treaty of Amsterdam. The changes brought about by the Treaty range from reform of internal and external security to the incorporation of the Schengen agreement and preparation of the Union for future enlargement.
The book is divided into six major policy areas affected by the Treaty. The first, constitutional issues, includes chapters on the quest for constitutional democracy, the purpose of the provisions on closer co-operation, the continuing search for community, reflections on the architecture of the EU, the fundamental principle of open decision-making and the IGC (Intergovernmental Conference) process. The second, the institutions, examines the Court of Justice and the European Parliament. The third, internal market issues, covers European labour law, the employment title in the Amsterdam Treaty, an environmental perspective and competition policy and public services in EC law. The fourth, external relations, looks at the relevant provisions of the Treaty, external economic relations and human rights. The fifth section, freedom, security and justice, includes chapters on visas, immigration and asylum, freedom, security and justice in relation to the UK, Ireland and Denmark, whether this policy area is 'bogged down' by the necessity to compromise, the role of national parliaments, racism and xenophobia and a general overview. Finally, the last section examines non-discrimination and nationality, looking at Article 13 on Union Citizenship and considering the general question of nationality and the EU after Amsterdam.
The contributions are mainly based on papers presented at the June 1998 conference by academics in the field, and are supplemented by chapters from other scholars. The perspectives offered in this collection are part of a wider debate, where there is an acknowledgement that only the passage of time and future developments, many not within the control of the Union or the Member States, will provide the ultimate judgement on the Amsterdam Treaty.
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