Introduction

Abstract

This book provides a critical perspective on six key European Union (EU) policies, highlighting the difficulties encountered by the European integration process in the global economy particularly in the context of the global economic crisis. The EU’s monetary social, agricultural, trade, energy and fisheries policies are analysed using a common approach which examines the most important steps made in the development of European policies: the peculiarities, mechanisms and instruments specific to each policy; the outcomes and effectiveness of the policies at both EU and new member state levels; the challenges induced by economic, social and demographic changes in the global economy; and several scenarios for future developments.