Jon Burchell

The emergence of Green parties throughout Europe during the 1980s marked the arrival of a new form of political movement and a challenge to existing party models. This work presents an in-depth, thematic comparative approach to the analysis of recent Green party development and change, questioning whether the process of party evolution has resulted in the ideological dilution of Green ideals and objectives. With Green parties across Europe experiencing a significant upturn in support in recent years, if we are to gain a clearer picture of the impact Green parties should have in the 21st century we need to understand the issues and themes that have shaped their re-emergence as a more mature political challenge.

Since the green wave of the 1980s, green parties have struggled to solidify their electoral successes in the face of stiff opposition from established political parties. This book anlyses recent Green party development and change.

This book critically examines the European UnionÆs developing relationship with the green agenda, identifying links between the emerging pattern of green politics and patterns of EU policy-making. It examines why and how the environment has become such a significant part of the EUÆs activities and assesses the extent of the "greening" of the Union. In particular it examines to what extent green politics have impacted upon the EU institutions, its other policies and its progress towards sustainability. In tackling these questions, the book questions whether these aims can be effectively instigated given the underlying economic rationale that has been the driving force behind the EUÆs development so far.

This book critically examines the European UnionAEs developing relationship with the green agenda, identifying links between the emerging pattern of green politics and patterns of EU policy-making. It examines why and how the environment has become such a significant part of the EUAEs activities and assesses the extent of the "greening" of the Union. In particular it examines to what extent green politics have impacted upon the EU institutions, its other policies and its progress towards sustainability. In tackling these questions, the book questions whether these aims can be effectively instigated given the underlying economic rationale that has been the driving force behind the EUAEs development so far.