This second edition of European Union Politics provides an authoritative introduction to all aspects of politics and policy in the EU. It gives readers a sense of the colour and flavour of EU politics, while systematic coverage of different theoretical perspectives encourages a more sophisticated understanding of the EU's development and function.

Introduction.- PART I: HISTORY AND IDEAS.- 1. Understanding Integration.- 2. What is the European Union?.- 3. Who are the Europeans?.- 4. Organizing Postwar Europe.- 5. The European Economic Community.- 6. From Single Market to European Union.- 7. To the Euro Crisis and Beyond.- 8. The Treaties.- 9. The Member States.- PART II: POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE.- 10. The European Commission.- 11. The Councils.- 12. The European Parliament.- 13. The European Court of Justice.- 14. Specialized Agencies.- 15. Parties and Interest Groups.- 16. Elections and Referendums.- 17. Public Opinion.- PART III: POLICIES.- 18. Public Policy in the EU.- 19. Economic Policy.- 20. Inside the Euro Zone.- 21. Cohesion Policy.- 22. Managing Resources.- 23. Justice and Home Affairs.- 24. The EU as a Global Actor.- 25. The EU and the World.- Conclusions.

'An excellent up-to-date textbook combining clear writing with a deep knowledge of the European Union. I recommend it highly both for newcomers to EU Studies and for those who want to gain an in-depth understanding of the complexities, some would say 'mysteries', of European integration.' - Alberta M. Sbragia, University of Pittsburgh, USA 'Comprehensive, authoritative and, above all, accessible with a lively writing style lightened by pertinent anecdotes and observations: a rare combination.' - Wyn Grant, University of Warwick, UK 'This excellent textbook is a terrific resource for undergraduates and graduates who want to obtain a state-of-the art understanding of the European Union today.' - Amy Verdun, University of Victoria, Canada 'Lively, vivid and wonderfully accessible, this updated edition is especially welcome in light of recent developments as McCormick does a marvellous job in helping students penetrate the walls of incomprehension and complexity that too often surround fortress Europe.' - Jonathon W. Moses, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway 'Comprehensive, authoritative and bang up to date, this new edition expertly illuminates for its readers the complex beast that is the EU as it grapples with many pivotal challenges. McCormick's European Union Politics has become a must on my students' reading list!' - Jane O'Mahoney, University of Kent, UK

Reviews of the first edition: "This excellent textbook is an absolute 'must have' for anyone with an interest in the European Union. Bang up to date, and taking full account of the Lisbon Treaty changes, it is equally suited to those studying EU politics and government for the first time and those who wish to delve deeper into its intricacies." - Amy Verdun, University of Victoria, Canada "Accessible but thought-provoking, and based on an impressively deep knowledge of the European Union, this beautifully-written, comprehensive and thoughtful new introduction, seemingly effortlessly, makes a complex subject really come alive. My students will love it." - Jane O'Mahony, University of Kent, UK "Lively and vivid, this wonderfully accessible introduction to the principles, history, politics, policies, and effects of European integration will really help students penetrate the walls of incomprehension and complexity that too often surround fortress Europe." - Jonathon W. Moses, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway "An excellent up-to-date textbook combining clear writing with a deep knowledge of the European Union. I recommend it highly both for newcomers to EU Studies and for those who want to gain an in-depth understanding of the complexities, some would say 'mysteries', of European integration." Alberta M. Sbragia, University of Pittsburgh, USA "Comprehensive, authoritative and, above all, accessible with a lively writing style lightened by pertinent anecdotes and observations: a rare combination. It succeeds admirably in its objective of providing a systematically-integrated introduction for students approaching the study of EU politics for the first time." - Wyn Grant, University of Warwick, UK