Bibliography: (pages 550-559) and index.

Part 1: The historical evolution -- The transformation of western Europe -- European integration and the states of western Europe -- The creation of the European community -- From European community to European union -- The Maastricht and Amsterdam treaties -- Part 2: The institutions and political actors of the European union -- The commission -- The council of ministers -- The European council -- The European parliament -- European union law and the courts -- Other institutions and actors -- Part 3: Policies and policy processes of the European union -- Policies -- Policy processes -- The budget -- Agricultural policy and policy processes -- External relations -- National influences and controls on European union processes -- Part 4: Stepping back and looking forward -- Conceptualising and theorising -- Conclusion: Present realities and future prospects.