ABSTRACT

Thoroughly revised, the seventh edition of this accessible and highly respected text provides a rigorous yet digestible introduction to the European Union. Additionally, it authoritatively explains developments that continue to bring challenges to this powerful institution in times of great political change.

Key features:

  • Clearly covers the history, governing institutions, and policies of the EU;
  • Fully updated with new tables, figures, and photographs;
  • In-text features such as Chapter Overviews, Questions to Consider, and Further Reading encourage deeper research and debate;
  • Sustained discussion of transformative and historical change in the upheaval of Brexit and its ramifications, and the future relationship of the UK with the EU;
  • Through reflection on destabilizing issues such as immigration and the years of refugee crisis in Europe, the continued crisis in the eurozone, tensions with Poland and Hungary, Euroskepticism, Russia, and the rise of populism;
  • Increased coverage throughout of women or minorities within the EU.

Jonathan Olsen presents the EU as one of the world's economic and political superpowers, which has brought far-reaching changes to the lives of Europeans and has helped its member states to take a newly assertive role on the global stage.

Essential reading for students of European and EU politics, this book offers an up-to-the-minute look at both the opportunities and existential threats facing the EU.

chapter |7 pages

Introduction

part I|67 pages

History

chapter Chapter 1|16 pages

What Is the European Union?

chapter Chapter 2|15 pages

Origins

The Road to Paris and Rome

chapter Chapter 3|17 pages

Stagnation and Renewal

The Single European Act and Maastricht

chapter Chapter 4|17 pages

Unity and Upheaval

The Eurozone, the Treaty of Lisbon, and Crises in the EU

part II|104 pages

Institutions

chapter Chapter 5|18 pages

The European Commission

chapter Chapter 6|19 pages

The Council of Ministers and The European Council

chapter Chapter 7|20 pages

The European Parliament

chapter Chapter 8|17 pages

The Court of Justice of the European Union

chapter Chapter 10|15 pages

Representing Public Opinion in the EU

part III|107 pages

Policies

chapter Chapter 11|16 pages

Public Policy and the Budget of the EU

chapter Chapter 13|17 pages

Agricultural and Environmental Policy

chapter Chapter 15|16 pages

Security and Global Power

chapter Chapter 16|20 pages

The EU and the World

chapter |5 pages

Conclusion