Suchergebnisse

Heffernan offers data on the trading, economic, & political power of the European Union (EU). Organizational expansion is shown by a list of historical stages in European integration. Criteria for EU membership & details of evolving enlargement are cited. An explanation of the EU's contemporary functions & characteristics includes review of the creation of the Council of Europe & events moving the organization from the ECSC (European Coal & Steel Community) to the Maastricht treaty. Examination of the EU's interdependence considers the influence of the two world wars on European integration. There is reflection on conflict over integration & development as well as intergovernmentalism & supranationalism. The question, "How is the EU governed?" delves into the European Council's functions & the European Commission's composition. Legislative & executive systems are outlined. Fast periods of integration are listed & compared with slower, more conflictive epochs. Historical perspective of the EU covers the specificity of Western Europe & the role of intergovernmental bargaining. 12 References. M. C. Leary

Contemplation of expansion takes into account the European Union (EU)'s original ideals. The EU's formation & growth, 1951-1995, is charted along with cautionary projections, including those made by Jacques Delors, on growth. There is discussion of the costs of enlargement, models of EU development, & the EU's commitment to & conditions for expansion. Considered consequences of enlargement include conflict over accession & the need for institutional reform. Post-Cold War integration is compared with previous conditions & with prospects for integrating current applicants. The process of reaching an agreement on new conditions for membership, 1991-1995, is reviewed. Figures on individual Eastern European countries' populations & economies are given. There is listing of EU conclusions regarding applicant states' eligibility for membership & of concerns that arose regarding issues of agriculture, single market implementation, environmental standards, transport, nuclear safety, & border disputes. Potential admission of Mediterranean countries is contemplated. Proposed shifts in the EU's practices, institutions, & policies are laid out. 2 Tables, 4 Figures, 13 References. M. C. Leary