'Whatever its ultimate political destiny, the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe is destined to remain a fundamental text. Piris has managed the impossible: a commentary written with the authority (and passion) of a key insider who has 'been there, done that' and yet displaying critical objective insights more habitually found in the detached observer.' Joseph H. H. Weiler, Director, Global Law School Program, NYU School of Law

'Jean-Claude Piris is the leading expert on the EU Treaties. It was he who was called on by John Major to convince a sceptical European Council, in Edinburgh in 1992, to accept the additional package which persuaded the Danish nation to reverse their initial rejection of the Maastricht Treaty. His analysis of the Constitutional Treaty is legally authoritative and politically astute. Clear, timely, and wise, it can be commended not just to scholars and practitioners, but to all confused by the Treaty's text, history, or fate.' Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, Former UK Permanent Representative to the EU, Former Head of the UK Diplomatic Service, and Former Secretary-General of the European Convention

'Piris is the insider's insider …' Financial Times