Understanding the European Union. A concise introduction, 2nd ed.

Book abstract:

The European Union Series from Palgrave is developing into a significant collection of literature on the European Union, with over twenty titles already published and over twenty titles forthcoming or planned. The series ranges from general introductory texts to more specialised titles on key institutions, processes, policies and Member States.

'Understanding the European Union' is an introductory book about the European Union, written for a general audience who wants to know how it works, how it affects those who live within its boundaries - and, what is its overall significance. The book provides a survey of key developments, institutions and policies. There are eight chapters, further divided into sections: What is the European Union?; The idea of Europe; The evolution of the EU; The Institutions of the EU; The EU and the Member States; The EU and its citizens; Economic integration (primarily covering the single market, the common agricultural policy and economic and monetary union); The EU and the world. In addition, there is a chronology, sources of further information, bibliography and index. The chapters take a broad view and the style is straightforward and largely jargon-free.

In the new second edition the text has been thoroughly revised and updated to take account of changes brought about by the Treaty of Nice, the imminent enlargement of the European and the introduction of the euro.