ABSTRACT
In order to be able to understand and judge the development of industrial relations in Europe in comparison with the development of national industrial relations, it is necessary to recall the process of European integration. Only by doing so, is it possible to make statements about future perspectives. Starting from the different branches of political theories of integration, with varieties of federalism and neo-functionalism playing an important part, it is predicted that , there will be a further development of the European integration. If this fails, then a marked disintegration and return to nationalism is expected in Europe. Despite minor differences in detail, these positions correspond in that European integration is heading for a final state which has not been reached yet. The political implications are the demand for a "United States of Europe" or the creation of a political union.
