Enlargement in Developments in the European Union, p269-289

Developments in the European Union:

Developments in the European Union brings together specially commissioned chapters by several leading academics from a variety of European and American universities. It provides a tightly integrated account of developments in the main institutions and policy areas and of the key issues confronting the EU at the start of the twenty-first century. These include the wake of the Maastricht Treaty and Treaty of Amsterdam, the launch of the Euro, the opening of accession negotiations with Central and Eastern European countries, and the challenge of institutional reform and renewal, especially following the resignation of the entire Commission in March 1999. The book is part of the Developments series, which explain background and context of developments as appropriate, but do not aim to examine them in depth, focussing instead on recent events and changes.

The chapters cover a wide variety of topics and issues. In addition to the editors' introduction and conclusion, the chapters are split into three main sections. The first, the political system, covers both the individual institutions and more general topics such as decision-making and interests. The second, policies and policy objectives, looks at the European market, promoting solidarity and cohesion, environmental policy, trade and aid, foreign and security policy and cooperation on justice and home affairs. The third, key issues, looks at enlargement, the Amsterdam Treaty, the political dynamics of economic and monetary union, and democracy.

This book should enable students and researchers to stay up to date on the major policy areas and institutional changes in the European Union.