Spain and the European Union

Abstract:

This work looks at the relationship between Spain and the European Union and does so in a way that may prove helpful when making comparison with other Member States.

The book is organised over ten chapters. Following an introduction chapter one provides the historic context of Spain's relationship with Europe from the close of the Spanish empire and the more recent progress to membership of the European Community. The role of Spanish political parties, public opinion and pressure groups in that journey to membership is explored in chapter two. The third chapter examines the national political system of Spain, while chapter four extends that examination to the 17 regional Autonomous Communities. Discussion then moves in chapter five to Spain's influence in the development of EU policies. The impact of those policies on core national policies forms the substance of the last four chapters; chapter six explores agriculture and fisheries, chapter seven looks at economic and monetary union, budgets and structural funds are covered in chapter eight and chapter nine addresses foreign policy and home affairs. These chapters also illustrate the interaction between the EU and national debates, offering as it does an alternative arena to expound domestic policy initiatives. The work closes with a conclusion which in some part celebrates the return of Spain to the heartland of Europe after a period of estrangement for much of the twentieth century.

The work will interest scholars and students engaged in European studies and European integration.