Based on exhaustive research, this book explains how the European Union makes decisions in seven major policy sectors. 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.

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.

'John Peterson and Elizabeth Bomberg have written the textbook EU instructors on either side of the Atlantic have vainly searched for since the relaunch of European integration in the late 1980s. A superb blend of theoretical breadth and empirical depth, much of it informed by their own research, this exceptional text also just happens to be a joy to read.' - Liesbet Hooghe, University of Toronto 'Students will both understand it and enjoy reading it. Scholars will find it contributes to their own thinking and analysis.' - Alberta Sbragia, University of Pittsburgh 'Makes a major contribution to understanding how policy is actually made in the EU, combining detailed analysis of seven key policy areas with a wide ranging assessment of different levels and types of decision-making.' - Helen Wallace, University of Sussex 'Peterson and Bomberg's work not only deserves a place of honour on every 'Europeanist's' bookshelf, but fits perfectly as a textbook in higher education as well. It offers an accessible...introduction to the policy-making process as a whole.' - Frank Delmartino, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Political Studies 'Decision-Making in the European Union is certainly one of the best textbooks on the EU available.' - Tanja A. Borzel, ECSA Review '[A] scholarly and readable text...[P]resented in a concise and readable way, with excellent use of case studies...this is an excellent book...which makes an intelligent contribution to both the explanation of decision-making and the understanding of the European Union...' - Ian Manners, Journal of Common Market Studies '[A] great textbook, which aptly demonstrates how national, supranational, and subnational actors and institutions combine in the making of European decisions. Its style is clear and user-friendly. Various exhibits of particular policy episodes and focused case-studies of key events...bring the EU alive and do an excellent job of enhancing the reader's understanding of how the EU ticks.' - Tanja A. Borzel, ECSA Review 'Written in a clear and accessible style, the book provides an excellent overview for specialists and non-specialists alike.' - European Information Service

The European Union Series provides an authoritative library on the European Union ranging from general introductory texts to definitive assessments of key institutions and actors, policies and policy processes, and the role of member states. Books in the series are written by leading scholars and reflect the most up-to-date research and debate. Particular attention is paid to accessibility and clear presentation for a wide audience of students, practitioners and interested general readers.