1. Introduction 2. A Brief History 3. Structure and Institutions 4. The EU’s Activities: Internal 5. The EU’s Activities: External 6. The Debate on the Nature of the EU 7. Where to Now? Maps. Annotated Bibliography. Annotated Websites. Key Citations from Documents

'Global order is a dynamic phenomenon, affected by the structure of a variety of institutions. In The European Union, Clive Archer skillfully and clearly introduces the reader to one of the key institutions and central features of the current world order – the EU. Demonstrating that the EU is "unique" in its role as a "Global Institution," Archer succeeds admirably in his aims of providing information about the EU and placing the process of EU integration into a set of broader political contexts – including the relationships between state and society, the states of the European region, and global order as a whole.' - Harvey Starr, University of South Carolina, USA'Archer has undertaken a wonderful service in writing this concise, yet comprehensive, introduction to the European Union. The EU's decision-making processes and policies are covered with a clarity that makes the EU's formidable complexity fully accessible - and is to be especially recommended to the reader unfamiliar with the institution.' - Richard G. Whitman, University of Bath, UK