The European Union
A Polity of States and Peoples
Published on 20. March 2005
Book
Paperback/Softback
416 pages
978-1-84113-529-8 (ISBN)
Description
This book explains to a general audience what the European Union is about and how it has grown since 1952 into a polity of 25 States and a population of more than 450 million people. It explains the constitution-making process that is currently taking place in the European Union, and the significance of the draft constitution which has been submitted for ratification by the 25 member states. The book is written from a legal perspective, but contains many references to political science and recent American and European history. It aims to show how the distinctive features of a democratic polity that characterize the Member States can be gradually transplanted to the European Union. To make the book useful to a more specialized set of readers, such as students of law and politics, it contains a large number of notes that contain detailed information and point to additional reading on a variety of topics. The book draws on the author's exceptionally wide and profound knowledge of the institutions of the EU, its history, its laws and its varied cultures.
"This book, written by one of the greatest scholars of European law, provides a rare insight into the evolving European constitutionalism. Its analytical narrative explores themes of democracy, accountability, human rights and the rule of law and draws comparisons between the US and European political systems. The end result is an excellent essay on European governance" Professor Takis Tridimas, Queen Mary University of London
"This book, written by one of the greatest scholars of European law, provides a rare insight into the evolving European constitutionalism. Its analytical narrative explores themes of democracy, accountability, human rights and the rule of law and draws comparisons between the US and European political systems. The end result is an excellent essay on European governance" Professor Takis Tridimas, Queen Mary University of London
Reviews / Votes
...van Gerven's book provides a thoughtful and largely original critique of the constitutional structures and futures of the European Union...The result is a book that should be of enduring relevance and interest to debates about constitutionalism in the European Union...there is a wealth of insight and understanding of normative and practical constitutionalism...The book provides a panoramic view of the issues it addresses and it also suggests meaningful answers to the questions it raises. Gordon Anthony Public Law 2006 ...writes in a clear style, free of the social-science jargon,...The book should be welcome particularly by comparatists interested not just in European Union law but in federalism and public law generally. Eric Stein European Law Review 2006 ...a uniquely knowledgeable interdisciplinary account of European integration by someone whose brilliance as a European and Comparative Lawyer is too well known to need any rehearsal...the book...provides much material to engage with on many levels and the argumentation is always clear and succinct. Geert De Baere International & Comparative Law Quarterly, Vol 55, Part 2 April 2006 ...this elegantly written book paints the big picture..and the narrative is unusually helpful in guiding the reader through the complexity, which should ensure the book's value and interest... Stephen Weatherill European Law Review June 2006 Both comprehensive and reliable! Bulletin Quotidien Europe November 2005 ...raises the right questions and directs readers towards interesting analysis... David Schultz Law and Politics Review September 2005More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
629 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84113-529-8 (9781841135298)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
03/2005
1st Edition
Hart Publishing
€48.99
Available for download
Person
Walter van Gerven was formerly an Advocate General at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg and has held chairs in law at the Universities of Louvain/Leuven and Maastricht.
Content
1 The European Union's Institutions, Identity and Values
2 Accountable Government
3 The Rule of Law
4 Good Governance
5 Open Government
6 Making a Constitution for Europe
7 Which New Form of Government for Europe?
2 Accountable Government
3 The Rule of Law
4 Good Governance
5 Open Government
6 Making a Constitution for Europe
7 Which New Form of Government for Europe?