The European Union: Politics and Policies

Thoroughly revised, the eighth edition of this accessible and highly respected text provides a rigorous yet digestible introduction to the European Union. It authoritatively explains developments that continue to bring challenges to this powerful institution in times of great political change. Key features include: Clearly covers the history, governing institutions, and policies of the EU. Thorough reflection on destabilizing issues such as immigration and the years of refugee crisis in Europe, stagnating economies in the Eurozone, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, tensions with China, continued Euroscepticism and populism, and the Ukraine war. A new focus on people and their experiences in the EU and an increased diversity of coverage and inclusion/exclusion, painting a richer picture of life in the EU. Fully updated with new colourful illustrations and in-text features such as Chapter Overviews, Questions to Consider, and Further Reading to encourage deeper research and debate. The authors present the EU as still one of the world's economic and political superpowers, which has brought far-reaching changes to the lives of Europeans and has helped its member states to take a newly assertive role on the global stage. Essential reading for students of European and EU politics, this book offers an up-to-the-minute look at both the opportunities and existential threats facing the EU.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Part I: History 1. What Is the European Union? 2. Origins: The Road to Paris and Rome 3. Stagnation and Renewal: The Single European Act and Maastricht 4. Unity and Upheaval: The Eurozone, the Treaty of Lisbon, and Crises in the EU Part II: Institutions 5. The European Commission 6. The Councils: The Council of Ministers and The European Council 7. The European Parliament 8. The Court of Justice of the European Union 9. The European Central Bank and other EU Bodies and Agencies 10. Representing Public Opinion in the EU Part III: Policies 11. Public Policy and the Budget of the EU 12. The Single Market, Monetary Union, and Regional Development Policy 13. Agricultural Policy 14. Environmental Policy 15. Social Policy, Justice and Home Affairs, and Other Policies 16. Security and Global Power 17. The EU and the World. Conclusion

About the Author :
Jonathan Olsen is Professor of Political Science and the Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Historical Studies at Texas Woman's University, USA. Michael A. Hansen is Associate Professor of Political Science at University of Turku, Finland.

Review :
“Jonathan Olsen's and Michael A. Hansen’s The European Union: Politics and Policies offers an excellent analysis of the EU's political structures, decision-making processes, and policy outcomes. Examining first the evolution of the Union and then its institutions, the final part delves into key areas like monetary policy, foreign relations, the environment and social policies. With a focus on both theory and practice, the book provides a critical understanding of the EU's complexities, challenges, and role on the global stage, making it an essential read for students and policymakers alike.” David Coury, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, USA “In this updated edition of The European Union: Politics and Policies, Jonathan Olsen and Michael A. Hansen offer a comprehensive, yet accessible, overview of the history, institutions and policies of the European Union. Drawing on the same institutional approach, they then analyze recent events that have rattled the EU, from Brexit, to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and reflect on the challenges that the European project will face in the coming years. The book is thus an excellent point of entry to the politics of the EU, but it is also full of novel insights for the specialized reader.” Agustín Goenaga, Lund University, Sweden “Jonathan Olsen and Michael A. Hansen provide an excellent and comprehensive introduction to the politics of the European Union. This updated edition combines institutional analysis and the development of the European Union through treaties and reforms, major policies such as trade, environmental policy and security, and it addresses the international role of the EU in current times. The book is highly accessible to students and to the general reader interested in Europe. An indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the impact of the EU in global affairs.” Christiane Lemke, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany