The European Union

The European Union: How Does it Work? is the perfect introduction to the EU's structure and operations for those coming to the subject for the first time. Leading scholars and practitioners cut through the complexity to explain how the EU really works and why it matters. The third edition of this successful textbook has been updated in light of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty and the effects of the financial crisis on the Eurozone. It includes three new chapters, on the policy-making process, democracy in the EU, and EU internal and external security. Student understanding of the main actors, policies and developments is aided by the inclusion of helpful learning features throughout the text. The European Union: How Does it Work is also supported by an Online Resource Centre with the following features: For students: - Multiple choice questions - Flash card glossary For registered adopters of the textbook - Seminar questions and activities - PowerPoint(r) presentations '...[This] book provides the type of scholarship we need in order to better understand the EU.' Vasilis Margaras, EU Observer 'The book is written by well-regarded academics and practitioners. In this respect, the book has an added value since it not only mentions theory but also explains the real day-to-day politics of the EU.' Vasilis Margaras, EU ObserverPART 1: BACKGROUND; 1. Introduction; 2. How did we get here?; PART 2: MAJOR ACTORS; 3. The EU's institutions; 4. Member states; PART 3: POLICIES AND POLICY-MAKING; 5. Key policies; 6. How policies are made; 7. Democracy; PART 4: THE EU AND THE WIDER WORLD; 8. EU expansion and wider Europe; 9. The EU as a security actor; 10. The EU as a global actor; 11. Conclusion