Access to European Union

ACCESS TO EUROPEAN UNION
New 18th edition - 2009


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Written by Nicholas Moussis,  a former European Commission adviser, ACCESS TO EUROPEAN UNION is an annually revised title providing a comprehensive overview of latest economic, political and legislative developments in each EU policy area.  Thanks to its clear and systematic approach, the book guides the reader through the maze of European Union policies and explains  the European institutions, their functioning, EU measures, legal provisions and economic programmes.  The new 18th edition, published in June, contains over 2500 exact references to key Community legal texts and more than 300 bibliographic references.  It is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand how European policy shapes economic, business and social life.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword

PART I: TREATIES, LAW AND INSTITUTIONS

Chapter 1. Introduction to European Integration
1.1. The theoretical framework
1.1.1. A synopsis of prominent integration theories
1.1.2. An empirical approach based on the development
        of common policies
1.2. Birth and growth of the Community/Union
1.3. The attractiveness of the Community method
General bibliography on the EU

Chapter 2: European Treaties
2.1. The original Treaties
2.2 .The Treaty of Maastricht
2.3. The Treaty of Amsterdam
2.4. The Treaty of Nice
2.5. The Treaty of Lisbon: a Constitution without title
2.6. The treaties as instruments of progress
Bibliography on European Treaties

Chapter 3: European Law and Finances
3.1. European Community and European Union
3.2. The competences of the European Community/Union
3.3. The Community legal system
3.4. The Community finances
Bibliography on European law and finances

Chapter 4: The structure and functions of
European institutions
4.1. The main European Institutions
4.1.1. The European Council
4.1.2. The European Commission
4.1.3. The European Parliament
4.1.4. The Council
4.1.5. The Court of Justice
4.2. Other institutions and advisory bodies
4.2.1. The European Central Bank
4.2.2. The European Court of Auditors
4.2.3. The Economic and Social Committee
4.2.4. The Committee of the Regions
4.3. The Community's decision-making process
4.4. Prospects of European governance
Bibliography on the European institutions

PART II: INTEGRATION STAGES

Chapter 5: Customs Union
5.1. Intra-Community trade
5.1.1. The abolition of customs barriers to trade
5.1.2. Elimination of internal borders
5.1.3. Veterinary and plant health legislation
5.1.4. Customs cooperation
5.2. Trade with non-member countries
      5.2.1. The Common Customs Tariff
      5.2.2. Economic tariff matters
      5.2.3. The Community Customs Code
5.3. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on Customs Union

Chapter 6: Common market
6.1. Completion of the internal market
6.2. Free movement of goods
6.2.1. Harmonisation of legislations
6.2.2. Prevention of new technical obstacles
6.2.3. Common standardisation and certification policy
6.2.4. Protection of intellectual and industrial property
6.3. Public procurement
6.4. Free movement of workers
6.4.1. The common labour market
6.4.2. Social security and other measures for migrant workers
6.5. Freedom of establishment and recognition of diplomas
6.5.1. Right of establishment
6.5.2. Recognition of professional qualifications
6.6. Freedom to provide services
6.6.1. Banking
6.6.2. Insurance
6.6.3. Stock exchanges and financial services
6.6.4. Services of general interest
6.7. Free movement of capital
6.8. Trans-European Networks
6.9. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on the Common Market

Chapter 7: Economic and Monetary Union
7.1. The need for EMU
7.2. The single monetary policy
7.2.1. The 1971 Resolution
7.2.2. European Monetary System
7.2.3. The preparation of EMU
7.2.4. The euro and its supervising authorities
7.3. The common economic policy
7.3.1. Economic convergence in the European Union
7.3.2. Budgetary discipline and the single currency
7.3.3. Financial solidarity
7.4. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on the EMU

Chapter 8: Towards a political union
8.1. Justice and home affairs
8.1.1. Judicial cooperation in civil matters
8.1.2. Police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters
8.1.3. Common treatment of nationals of third countries
8.1.4. The fight against terrorism inside the European Union
8.2. Common foreign and security policy
8.2.1. Decision making in CFSP matters
8.2.2. The institutional framework of CFSP
8.2.3. European security and defence policy
8.3. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on JHA and CFSP

PART III: POLICIES CONCERNING THE CITIZENS

Chapter 9: Citizens' rights and participation
9.1. Citizenship of the Union and its attributes
9.2. Citizens' rights
9.3. The defence of citizens' rights
9.4. Human networks and multinational integration
9.5. The so-called democratic deficit
9.6. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on citizens' rights

Chapter 10: Information, audiovisual and cultural policies
10.1. The information deficit of the Union
10.1.1. Information efforts of the European institutions
10.1.2. The deficiencies of the actual information activities
10.1.3. The need for a common communication policy
10.2. Audiovisual policy
10.3. Cultural activities
10.4. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on information, audiovisual and cultural policies

Chapter 11: Consumer policy
11.1. Consumer information
11.2. Protection of health and physical safety
11.3. Protection of economic and legal interests
11.4. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on consumer protection policy

PART IV: HORIZONTAL POLICIES

Chapter 12: Regional Development Policy
12.1. The need for a common regional policy
12.1.1. The classification of EU regions
12.1.2. Economic and social cohesion of the Union
12.2. Coordination of national and Community policies
12.2.1. Coordination of national regional policies
12.2.2. Cross-border territorial cooperation
12.2.3. Coordination of Community policies
12.3. Coordination of Community financial instruments
12.3.1. The objectives and methods of the Structural Funds
12.3.2. The organisation of structural operations
12.3.3. European Regional Development Fund
12.3.4. Pre-accession assistance
12.4. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on regional policy

Chapter 13: Social progress policies
13.1. The need for a common social policy
13.2. Social cohesion in the European Union
13.3. Common employment policy
13.3.1. Institutional machinery for employment policy
13.3.2. The employment strategy of the Union
13.3.3. The actions of the European Social Fund
13.4. Education, vocational training and youth policies
13.4.1. The foundations of training and education policies
13.4.2. Education and training programmes
13.5. Common measures for the improvement of living
and working conditions
13.5.1. The social dialogue in the EU
13.5.2. Worker information, consultation and participation
13.5.3. Social protection
13.5.4. The organisation of work
13.5.5. Equal treatment for men and women
13.5.6. Action to combat social exclusion
13.5.7. Safety and health at work
13.5.8. Public health protection
13.6. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on social policy

Chapter 14: Taxation policy
14.1. The need for a common tax policy
14.1.1. The fiscal neutrality in a common market
14.1.2. Taxation and conditions of competition
14.2. Harmonisation of indirect taxation
14.2.1. Value added tax
14.2.2. VAT Rates and Removal of fiscal frontiers
14.2.3. Excise duties
14.2.4. Other indirect taxation
14.3. Harmonisation of direct taxation
14.3.1. Company taxation
14.3.2. Effort to combat tax avoidance
14.4. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on taxation policy

Chapter 15: Competition policy
15.1. The need for a common competition policy
15.1.1. Buoyancy of competition in the large market
15.1.2. Negative reactions to intensified competition
15.2. Foundations of the European policy
15.2.1. European competition network
15.2.2. European law and national competition law
15.3. Permissible cooperations and prohibited agreements
15.3.1. The "de minimis" rule
15.3.2. Permissible contractual relations
15.3.3. Exemption of categories of agreements
15.3.4. Prohibited agreements
15.4. Preventing market domination
15.4.1. Preventing the exploitation of a dominant position
15.4.2. Controlling concentrations in the single market
15.5. Monitoring State intervention
15.5.1. Compatible and incompatible aids
15.5.2. General aids
15.5.3. Sectoral aids
15.5.4. Public undertakings
15.5.5. State monopolies of a commercial character
15.6. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on competition policy

Chapter 16: Environment policy
16.1. The need for a common environment policy
16.2. Common strategy for sustainable development
16.2.1. The foundations of the common environment policy
16.2.2. The principles of the common environment policy
16.2.3. Notification, information and monitoring
16.2.4. Environment and other common policies
16.2.5. International environmental cooperation
16.3. Reduction of pollution and nuisances
16.3.1. Quality objectives for European waters
16.3.2. Control of discharges into the aquatic environment
16.3.3. Effort to combat marine pollution
16.3.4. Effort to combat air pollution
16.3.5. Prevention of industrial and chemical hazards
16.3.6. Effort to combat noise pollution
16.4. Management of environmental resources
16.4.1. Protection of flora and fauna
16.4.2. Management of waste
16.5. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on environment policy

PART V: SECTORAL POLICIES

Chapter 17: Industrial and Enterprise Policies
17.1. The competitiveness of European industry
17.1.1. The single market and industrial policy
17.1.2. The challenges of European industry
17.1.3. The foundations of industrial policy
17.1.4. SMEs in the single market
17.2. Enterprise policy
17.2.1. The legal environment of European business
17.2.2. The business environment in the EU
17.2.3. Business funding
17.2.4. Cooperation between businesses
17.3. Sectoral industrial policy
17.3.1. Steel industry
17.3.2. Shipbuilding and maritime industries
17.3.3. Textiles and clothing industries
17.3.4. Aeronautical and aerospace industries
17.3.5. Information industries
17.3.6. Telecommunications
17.3.7. Other industrial sectors
17.4. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on industrial and enterprise policies

Chapter 18: Research and Technology Policy
18.1. The need for a common research policy
18.2. The foundations of the common research policy
18.2.1. Research provisions of the Community Treaties
18.2.2. The framework programme for R & D
18.2.3. Direct and indirect research activities
18.2.4. The activities of the Joint Research Centre
18.2.5. Coordination of research in the European Union
18.2.6. Transnational R & D cooperation
18.3. Euratom and nuclear research
18.3.1. Nuclear fission
18.3.2. Controlled thermonuclear fusion
18.4. Research activities of the European Community
18.4.1. People and ideas in European research
18.4.2. Structuring the European research area
18.5. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on research policy

Chapter 19: Energy Policy
19.1. The importance of energy for Europe
19.1.1. The 1973 crisis
19.1.2. International energy cooperation
19.1.3. Community energy strategy
19.2. Internal energy market
19.2.1. Electricity and gas markets
19.2.2. Solid fuel market
19.2.3. Nuclear energy market
19.2.4. Oil market
19.3. Energy supply
19.3.1. Energy objectives and rational energy use
19.3.2. Coal supply
19.3.3. Supply of nuclear fuels
19.3.4. Oil and natural gas supply
19.3.5. New technologies and new energy sources
19.4. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on energy policy

Chapter 20: Transport Policy
20.1. The special interest for the transport sector
20.2. The internal market for inland transport
20.2.1. Access to the common inland transport market
20.2.2. Competition conditions in inland transport services
20.2.3. Transport infrastructure
20.3. Sectoral organisation of the transport market
20.3.1. Road transport
20.3.2. Railways
20.3.3. Inland waterway transport
20.3.4. Maritime transport
20.3.5. Air transport
20.4. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on transport policy

Chapter 21: Agricultural Policy
21.1. Reasons for special treatment of agriculture
21.2. CAP foundations and reforms
21.2.1. CAP marathons
21.2.2. CAP reforms
21.3. CAP management and financing
21.3.1. Consultations of interested parties and experts
21.3.2. CAP management
21.3.3. CAP financing
21.3.4. Control of agricultural expenditure
21.3.5. Agrimonetary questions and the euro
21.4. Common market organisations
21.4.1. The principles of the CAP
21.4.2. Agricultural grants and product quality
21.4.3. Direct support schemes for farmers
21.4.4. External wing of the CAP
21.5. Rural development policy
      21.5.1. The financing of rural development
      21.5.2. Rural development policy objectives and guidelines
      21.5.3. Rural development measures
      21.5.4. The Community initiative LEADER+
      21.5.5. Rural development measures for EU candidate countries
21.6. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on the common agricultural policy

Chapter 22: Fisheries Policy
22.1. Economic and legal framework
22.1.1. The 200 mile rule
22.1.2. Free access to fishing zones
22.2. Conservation and management of resources
22.2.1. Sustainable exploitation of resources
22.2.2. Internal aspects
22.2.3. External aspects
22.3. Common organisation of the market
22.4. Structural policy
22.5 Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on the common fisheries policy

PART VI: EXTERNAL POLICIES

Chapter 23: Commercial Policy
23.1. The instruments of the policy
23.2. Common import arrangements
23.2.1. Common rules for imports
23.2.2. Common trade defense
23.3. Common export arrangements
23.4. GATT and WTO
23.5. Sectoral commercial policy measures
23.6. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on the common commercial policy

Chapter 24: Development aid Policy
24.1. Objectives and instruments of the policy
24.2. EC-ACP Association
24.3. Overseas countries and territories
24.4. Aid for sustainable development and conflict prevention
24.5. Generalised system of preferences
24.6. Cooperation at world level
24.7. Fight against hunger and other afflictions
24.8. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on development aid policy

Chapter 25: External Relations
25.1. European Free Trade Association and
European Economic Area
25.2. Candidates for accession
25.3. Balkan countries
25.4. European neighbourhood policy
25.5. Mediterranean, Middle East
25.6. Other Asian countries and Oceania
25.7. North American countries
25.8. Latin American countries
25.9. Appraisal and outlook
Bibliography on external relations
Conclusions: European integration and its perspectives
1. Main facts regarding European integration
2. European perspectives
Bibliography on European integration and its perspectives

INDEX AND GLOSSARY


Published: June 2009                    Size: 246 x 170 mm                  Extent: 555 pages
ISBN: 978-2-930119-533              Binding: Paperback                   Price: 55EUR/£40/$80


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