This friendly, concise and up-to-date introduction to the European Union is intended for those new to the study of Europe. It provides a general history of European unity and integration from 1945-1995 tracing the forces that shaped the creation of the European Economic Community of six states in 1958, and the development of the EEC into a European Union of 15 states by 1995.

Martin Dedman provides an essential clarification of terms and definitions that students will have to understand when looking at the European Union. Outlined are the three major schools of thought regarding the causes of European integration. Also considered are the economic and political reasons for establishing supranational organisations as well as other European organisations created since 1945.

The book traces all the key events since 1945, including the scheme for a European army in 1954, the four enlargements of the EEC between 1973 and 1995, the Single Market Initiative, the Maastricht Treaty and the attempt at European Economic and Monetary Union. The book aims to provide students with a comprehensive and balanced picture of why European Union is so important to an understanding of the politics of the second half of the present century.