ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book deals with specific case studies concerning aspects of integration which have taken place in the air transport sector within the European Community/European Union. It examines the powers that the Commission has acquired in the area of merger policy. The book introduces the notion that there exist certain ‘elite interests’ within states, which, because of their political importance, ultimately influence a state’s position on an issue when in negotiation with other states. It traces the legal basis for the operations of DGIV and the methodology by which it can initiate proceedings. The book outlines the way in which the groups arrived at their various positions, the differences of the positions of the elite and non-elite interests, and the adherence of the particular groups to the positions of larger firms within their own membership.
