Uniting Europe: An Introduction to the European Union (Europe Today) - Couverture souple

Oudenaren, Van John

 
9780742536616: Uniting Europe: An Introduction to the European Union (Europe Today)

Synopsis

With the 2004 enlargement, the European Union ( E. U) has expanded to twenty-five member states and a total population of 450 million. The new Union faces a daunting policy agenda that includes finalizing the controversial European Constitution, managing further enlargement to countries in southeastern Europe, deciding whether to offer membership to Turkey, overcoming strains over trade, environmental issues, and policy toward the Middle East to build a new, post-Cold War relationship with the United States, and making sure that the enlargement itself is a success. In this timely and accessible text, John Van Oudenaren explores how a political and economic union this large and diverse can hold together and accomplish the policy tasks that matter to its citizens: sustaining economic growth, dealing with aging populations and the costs of pensions and health care, raising living standards in poorer regions, preserving the environment, coping with the problems of immigration and political instability on Europe's borders, and facing the challenges of globalization. To reach these goals, the author argues that the E.U. must build on its existing achievements: the single market, the common currency, and harmonized policies. At the same time, the Union must reform its decision-making processes and find ways to balance the needs of its member states and the competing demands of different interest groups. How the E.U. will evolve is still unclear; there is no precise blueprint for its future. But the historic attempt to unite Europe will have enormous implications not only for Europe itself, but for the United States as a key ally, trading partner, and, on occasion, rival. By providing an overview of the Union's institutions, laws, and policies, Van Oudenaren provides a solid foundation for understanding its history and emergence as a global economic and political power.

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À propos de l?auteur

John Van Oudenaren is chief of the European Division, Library of Congress, and adjunct professor, BMW Center for German and European Studies, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University.

Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Autres éditions populaires du même titre

9780742536609: Uniting Europe: An Introduction To The European Union

Edition présentée

ISBN 10 :  0742536602 ISBN 13 :  9780742536609
Editeur : Rowman & Littlefield, 2004
Couverture rigide