While there are many textbooks about the European Union (EU), this new volume covers the essential elements of the EU clearly and concisely, outlining the key debates and issues it faces today.

Clive Archer is a Research Professor in the Department of Politics and Philosophy, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, where he also holds a Jean Monnet ad personam Chair in European Integration. His research areas have been in European integration, with special reference to the Nordic area and small states, and Nordic-Baltic Security. He has also undertaken more general work on international organizations. Other publications also include New Security Issues in Northern Europe (Routledge, 2008) and Norway Outside the European Union (Routledge, 2005).

1. Introduction 2. A Brief History 3. Structure and Institutions 4. The EU's Activities: Internal 5. The EU's Activities: External 6. The Debate on the Nature of the EU 7. Where to Now? Maps. Annotated Bibliography. Annotated Websites. Key Citations from Documents