Spain's membership of the European Union since 1986 has had a major impact. Driven primarily by political concerns to secure democracy, membership has also served as a catalyst to dynamic economic development in Spain. This book analyzes how the EU has helped shape the political process in Spain, focusing on the key institutions and the policy process. At the same time, Spain's increasingly proactive role within the EU is also explored, with particular attention given to the country's international position in post-Cold War Europe.

Since its first enlargement in 1973, expansion has become a way of life for the EU. The current round of enlargement is, however, unprecedented in its scale, in the diversity of applicants, and in the impact on EU structures and policies. This major new text brings together specially commissioned chapters to provide a coherent and comprehensive assessment of the historical and theoretical context of enlargement and its implications for the identity, governance, economics, policies and international role of the EU.

This distinctive new text provides an overview and assessment of key debates about the political character of the EU. Arguing that it is best seen as an international organization - albeit of a particularly integrated kind - Paul Magnette shows how the need to accommodate a range of state interests shapes the EU political system and assesses the implications for its democratic functioning; for institutions and policy; and for Europeanization and integration.

A systematically revised new edition of the definitive text on the EU's main legislative and negotiating body taking full account of the current process of reform of the Council and the likely impact of EU enlargement.