ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book outlines the history of European integration, as a mirror of the complexity of its institutional system and its operating procedures. It deals with the European Union (EU) executive power, i.e. the European Council and the Commission. The book presents the numerous organs that ensure law enforcement and control at the EU level. It also presents the other European organs such as consultative bodies, financial organs, agencies; which also analyses the growing role of national Parliaments in the EU policy making. The book devotes to the legislative power, namely the Council and the European Parliament. It discusses issues related to the EU’s legitimacy, the integration process in times of crisis and the balance of power between the supranational and national levels.
