Sweden and the European Union evaluated

Book abstract:

Sweden became a member of the European Union in 1995. However it also has one of the most sceptical domestic populations with regard to EU involvement. This book analyses various aspects of Swedish policy and performance over the first five years of EU membership to gauge how far the country has become 'Europeanised'. The book consists of chapters written by a range of academics from universities around Europe.

The book is divided into four parts. The first part looks at foreign relations with sections on Swedish foreign and security policy and on Swedish policy towards the Baltic Sea and EU Northern Dimensions. Part 2, 'The Political System', examines the Europeanisation of Swedish politics, the Swedish party system and European integration, and also the relationship of interest groups and public opinion towards the EU. Part 3, 'Policies', examines how EU membership has changed Swedish monetary, agricultural and environmental policies. It also examines effects on Swedish industrial, research and technological development policies. The final part examines social issues with sections on social policy, and finally examines questions affecting the areas of asylum, immigration and policing.

The book would be suited to students interested in the European Union and European politics. Lee Miles is Senior Lecturer in Politics and Deputy Director of the Centre for European Union Studies at the University of Hull.