ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses the students who are following courses on European integration. It introduces the dynamics of economic integration, covering in a systematic and coherent way the areas that are most relevant, ranging from agriculture to trade, monetary matters and cohesion. The book concentrates on issues related to the dynamics of the integration process. It deals with the different socio-economic policies that create the conditions for a balanced growth of the EU economy. The chapter deals with the liberalisation of the markets for production factors. Progressive integration has been one of the most characteristic aspects of economic development in the last few decades, worldwide and in Europe, where it has found expression notably in the European Union (EU).
