The economics of European integration. Limits and prospects

Abstract:
The aim of this book is to explore the origin, evolution, operation, problems, successes, failures and possible prospects for economic integration in Europe through the EU.

The work is organised over fifteen chapters. The first provides the historical background, the evolution and prospects for the EU. Chapter two addresses monetary integration, then fiscal policy and the budget are examined in chapter three. The CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) is examined in chapter four. Chapters five, six and seven address competition, industrial and trade policy respectively. Regional policy is covered in chapter eight. Chapters nine and ten explore factor mobility, while chapter eleven explores social policy and the role of the European Social Fund. The EU’s environment policy is dealt with in chapter twelve, and transport policy in chapter thirteen. The continued enlargement of Europe to the East is discussed in chapter fourteen. The final chapter offers a conclusion that there is much room for reform and improvement in European economic integration, which will continue to be constrained and inhibited by narrow perceptions of sovereignty and the remoteness of the EU institutions from the mass population within the EU.

The book will interest scholars and upper level students engaged in the fields of European studies, international economics, business studies, international relations and economic geography.

Contents:
1. The Origin, Evolution and Prospects for the European Union
2. Monetary Integration
3. Fiscal Policy and the Budget
4. Common Agricultural Policy
5. Competition Policy
6. Industrial Policy in Manufacturing and Services
7. Trade Policy
8. Spatial Location of Production and Regional Policy
9. Capital Mobility
10. Mobility of Labour
11. Social Policy
12. Environment Policy
13. Transport Policy
14. Eastern Enlargement
15. Conclusion