Sebastiaan Princen

The European Union is a key player in determining policies and politics in Europe, and yet understanding how it works remains a challenge. The Politics of the European Union introduces students to its functioning by showing the similarities and differences between the EU and national political systems. Fully revised and updated in its third edition, this introductory textbook uses the tools of comparative politics to explore the history, theories, institutions, key actors, politics and policy-making of the EU. This comparative approach enables students to apply their knowledge of domestic politics and broader debates in political science to better understand the EU. Numerous real-world examples guide students through the textbook, and chapter briefings, fact files and controversy boxes highlight the important and controversial issues in EU politics. A companion website features free 'Navigating the EU' exercises to guide students in their analysis of EU policy-making.

The European Union is a key player in determining policies and politics in Europe, and yet understanding how it works remains a challenge. The Politics of the European Union introduces students to its functioning by showing the similarities and differences between the EU and national political systems. Fully revised and updated in its third edition, this introductory textbook uses the tools of comparative politics to explore the history, theories, institutions, key actors, politics and policy-making of the EU. This comparative approach enables students to apply their knowledge of domestic politics and broader debates in political science to better understand the EU. Numerous real-world examples guide students through the textbook, and chapter briefings, fact files and controversy boxes highlight the important and controversial issues in EU politics. A companion website features free 'Navigating the EU' exercises to guide students in their analysis of EU policy-making.

This introduction to the politics of the European Union uses the lens of comparative politics to explore the history, theories, institutions, key participants, policies and policy making of the EU. The comparative approach enables students to use their knowledge of domestic politics and broader debates in political science to better understand the EU. Numerous real-world examples guide students through the material, and chapter briefings, fact files and controversy boxes highlight important information and controversial issues in EU politics to widen and deepen student understanding. The second edition has been updated throughout to reflect the results of the 2014 European elections, and new material has been added on the Economic and Monetary Union and the Common Foreign and Security Policy. A companion website features free 'Navigating the EU' exercises to guide students in their analysis of EU policy making.

This introduction to the politics of the European Union uses the lens of comparative politics to explore the history, theories, institutions, key participants, policies and policy making of the EU. The comparative approach enables students to use their knowledge of domestic politics and broader debates in political science to better understand the EU. Numerous real-world examples guide students through the material, and chapter briefings, fact files and controversy boxes highlight important information and controversial issues in EU politics to widen and deepen student understanding. The second edition has been updated throughout to reflect the results of the 2014 European elections, and new material has been added on the Economic and Monetary Union and the Common Foreign and Security Policy. A companion website features free 'Navigating the EU' exercises to guide students in their analysis of EU policy making.

Policies in the EU are largely made by national civil servants who prepare and implement decisions in Brussels as well as at home. Despite their important role, these national civil servants form a relatively hidden world that has received little attention from both the media and academics. This volume considers a wide variety of sources and research methods to answer such questions as: how many civil servants are actually involved in EU-related activities? What do these civil servants do when they engage with the EU? And how do they negotiate their dual roles? The New Eurocrats offers unique and invaluable insights into these civil servants and their working practices—and uncovers some secrets in the world of EU governance along the way.

This study investigates the question of whether, and to what extent, stringent EC process or production standards affect regulatory standards in the US and Canada through their effects on trade. Four highly controversial issues - animal trapping methods, beef growth hormones, genetically modified foods and food products, and protection of personal information in data transfers - are examined in detail. The author combines legal research (EC regulations and directives, WTO cases, national and international regulatory standards and exceptions, records of negotiation and arbitration, and other sources), political and economic analysis, and information and insights gained from 67 personal interviews with officials and representatives of several types of interest groups. The result is a forceful and convincing portrayal of how the major powers are dealing with this most fundamental and complex problem affecting international trade today.