A to Z of the European Union

Over half a century old and continuing to grow in strength and authority, the European Union consists of 25 member states—with more on the waiting list—and a population of 450 million people. Its influence in foreign and domestic affairs and human rights and law reaches far beyond its earlier fields of trade and politics. From the initial ideas about integration leading to the Treaty of Paris and the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community to the current reflection on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, The A to Z of the European Union encompasses the most basic elements of the EU and the components that have emerged as a result of them.

Through the use of maps, photographs, a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on topics such as leaders, personalities, institutions, enlargements, member states, internal policies, external relations, basic theories, treaties, and law, this dictionary tells a clear and complete story about the European Union that will assist those with greater interest in understanding it.

Joaquín Roy is Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration, founding director of the European Union Research Institute, and director of the European Union Center of the University of Miami. He is the author of over 200 academic articles and reviews and 25 books. Among his awards is the "Encomienda al Mérito Civil," awarded by King Juan Carlos of Spain.

Aimee Kanner is assistant professor of political science at Florida Atlantic University. She is the former Associate Director of the Miami European Union Center, serving also as an editor, research associate, and program consultant.