Based on exhaustive research, this book explains how the European Union makes decisions in seven major policy sectors. Written in a clear, user-friendly style, it brings the EU alive for a student and non-specialist audience. The book's central themes are that informal norms often matter more than formal rules, agency often matters more than structure, and abrupt change often punctuates deadlock. It offers a theoretically-based introduction to the lively, humorous and fascinating politics of a unique experiment in modern governance.

JOHN PETERSON is Jean Monnet Professor of European Politics, University of Glasgow, UK.

Introduction
Making Sense of EU Decision-Making
Institutions, Rules, Norms
The Internal Market
External Trade Policy
The Common Agricultural Policy
Cohesion Policy
Environmental Policy
Research and Technology Policy
The Common Foreign and Security Policy
Conclusion.