Preface and Introduction.- PART 1: HISTORY AND IDEAS.- 1: Understanding Integration.- 2: What is the European Union?.- 3: Who are the Europeans?.- 4: First Steps (1944–58).- 5: Building the Community (1958–95).- 6: From Community to Union (1989–95).- 7: Crisis and Opportunity (2004–present).- 8: The Treaties.- 9: The Member States.- PART 2: POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE.- 10: The European Commission.- 11: The Council Ministers.- 12: The European Parliament.- 13: The European Council.- 14: The European Court of Justice.- 15: Specialized Agencies.- 16. Parties and Interest Groups.- 17. Elections and Referendums.- 18. Public Opinion.- PART 3: POLICIES.- 19. Public Policy.- 20. Economic Policy.- 21. Inside the Euro Zone.- 22. Cohesion Policy.- 23. Agriculture and Fisheries.- 24. Environmental Policy.- 25. Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.- 26. The EU as a Global Actor.- 27. The EU and the World.- Conclusions.