The Politics of the European Union - 3rd Edition

The European Union is a key player in determining policies and politics in Europe, and yet understanding how it works remains a challenge. The Politics of the European Union introduces students to its functioning by showing the similarities and differences between the EU and national political systems. Fully revised and updated in its third edition, this introductory textbook uses the tools of comparative politics to explore the history, theories, institutions, key actors, politics and policy-making of the EU. This comparative approach enables students to apply their knowledge of domestic politics and broader debates in political science to better understand the EU. Numerous real-world examples guide students through the textbook, and chapter briefings, fact files and controversy boxes highlight the important and controversial issues in EU politics. A companion website features free 'Navigating the EU' exercises to guide students in their analysis of EU policy-making.

List of figures
List of maps
List of tables
List of briefings
List of fact files
List of controversies
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations and acronyms
List of country abbreviations used in tables and figures
Part I. Setting the Scene: Origins, Analytical Perspectives and Institutions
1. The historical development of the EU
2. Analysing the EU
3. The institutional framework
4. Legislation and decision-making: putting the institutional puzzle together
Part II. Key Actors in EU Politics: Citizens, Interest Groups and Political Parties
5. Public opinion and political participation
6. Interest groups and interest representation
7. Political parties and the European Parliament
Part III. EU Policies: Agenda-Setting, Decision-Making and Implementation
8. An overview of EU policy-making
9. Agenda-setting
10. Decision-making
11. Implementing policies
Conclusions and Reflections
12. Reflecting on the EU as a political system
Key terms and concepts
Index.