The European Union is a distinctive creation. There have been several examples of countries that have forged links in ventures of mutual benefit, but in aim, method and achievement this union has gone much further than the others.From the beginning, the EU has always been more than just a customs union. It has aimed for an ever closer union of its peoples and has developed supranational institutions with powers binding upon its members. Since its creation in 1993 it has also grown in size and in the extent of its responsibilities. Integration and intergovernmentalism have been the two forces at work in the evolution of the Community into the Union of 27 members today.In this volume the author sets out to provide an authoritative study of the EU, which clearly explains how it functions and makes it intelligible to a wide readership.Key Features*Up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of key aspects, including history and developments, institutions, politics and policy processes*Includes an analysis of the role and attitudes of the member states*Information is clearly and accessibly presented*Will appeal to students and also to professionals working in European Union agencies and organisations*Contains maps, boxes, tables, glossaries of key terms and a guide to further reading