The European Union : politics and policies / Jonathan Olsen and Michael A. Hansen.

Previous editions entered under: McCormick, John, 1954-

Includes bibliographical references and index.

What is the European Union? -- Origins : the road to Paris and Rome -- Stagnation and renewal : the Single European Act and Maastricht -- Unity and upheaval : the Eurozone, the Treaty of Lisbon, and crises in the EU -- The European Commission -- The councils : the Council of Ministers and the European Council -- The European Parliament -- The Court of Justice of the European Union -- The European Central Bank and other EU bodies and agencies -- Representing public opinion in the EU -- Public policy and the budget of the EU -- The single market, monetary union, and regional development policy -- Agricultural policy -- Environmental policy -- Social policy, justice and home affairs, and other policies -- Security and global power -- The EU and the world.

"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 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"-- Provided by publisher.