Beginning with the basic background and perspectives needed for non-European audiences, the authors focus on the most striking aspects of European integration such as trade, agriculture, and monetary unification. Part I of the book ends with a capstone chapter that describes current weaknesses in a wide range of EU policy affairs. Part II covers insights on national and regional responses to the European Union policy recommendations, because the bulk of relevant expenditures are made by individual countries and not the EU itself. Students can appreciate difficulties, as well as the singificant areas of agreement among EU countries. The book concludes with a discussion of the future of the European Union in an evolving world economy.