Revised and expanded, this edition provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the European Union. Covering both past developments and future prospects, it outlines the history of European ingegration and the academic debate about its nature. Archer describes and explans the institutions of the EU and the major policies as well as analyzing its external relations. This edition includes an examination of the changes made to EU institutions and practice through the Treaty of Amsterdam, explains the move to Economic and Monetary Union at the end of 1999, and pays particular attention to the plans for and the consequences of enlargement to the East.