The political dynamics of the European Union can often appear confusing, shrouded as they are in complex legislative processes. This book offers a clear and thorough critical introduction to the origins, development and current direction of the EU, and pinpoints the major policy debates animating decision-makers.

This revised and updated edition offers a well-illustrated analysis of each of the EU¹s major policy areas, and covers arguments both for and against the EU. McGiffen explores subjects including enlargement, internal and external security, the Euro, trade, the environment, employment, transport and regional policy. He explains how and why the debate about membership is frequently and falsely presented as if it were a conflict between 'nationalism' and Œinternationalism', and argues instead that the EU is merely one of a number of possible solutions to the the economic and political problems facing Europe.

Published in association with Spectre.

Steve McGiffen is a writer, author and consultant. Until recently he worked for the United Left Group in the European Parliament and the Socialist Party of the Netherlands. He is editor of Spectre, a radical left website which can be read at www.spectrezine.org, His previous books include Biotechnology (Pluto Press, 2005).

Preface
Abbreviations and Acronyms
1 Introduction to the 2nd Edition
2 The Treaties
3 The Institutions
4 How the European Union makes law
5 Enlargement
6 The Common Foreign and Security Policy
7 Citizenship, Justice and Home Affairs
8 Monetary Policy
9 The Internal Market
10 External Economic Relations
11 Employment and Social Policy
12 The Environment and Public Health
13 The Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy
14 Transport
15 Regional Policy
16 Industrial Policy and Energy
17 The prop