Given the legal, political, economic and social similarities that exist, comparisons between the European Union (EU) and Canada can prove instructive. This volume introduces the rationale for comparing Canada and the EU and reviews the political initiatives that have been undertaken to forge links between the two. Taking the political and economic structure used by the EU, it compares this structure to the Canadian model, at both the federal/supranational level and the local government level. Using various disciplinary approaches and case studies, specific policy areas are used to illustrate these comparisons, and several of the papers in the collection extend these comparisons to the NAFTA level. A highly useful reference tool, Crossing the Atlantic will intrigue and inform an interdisciplinary and inter-regional studies audience.

Given the legal, political, economic and social similarities that exist, comparisons between the European Union (EU) and Canada can prove instructive. This volume introduces the rationale for comparing Canada and the EU and reviews the political initiatives that have been undertaken to forge links between the two. Taking the political and economic structure used by the EU, it compares this structure to the Canadian model, at both the federal/supranational level and the local government level. Using various disciplinary approaches and case studies, specific policy areas are used to illustrate these comparisons, and several of the papers in the collection extend these comparisons to the NAFTA level. A highly useful reference tool, Crossing the Atlantic will intrigue and inform an interdisciplinary and inter-regional studies audience.

With euro banknotes and coins starting to circulate as of January 2002, this timely book comes at a crucial juncture for the European Union. Exploring the origins of and progress toward the introduction of the euro, the contributors focus on the importance of economic and monetary union (EMU) as part of the larger process of European integration. Thus, chapters consider the value and limits of a range of theoretical approaches for understanding economic and monetary integration, the pros and cons of EMU's institutional design, and country-specific experiences. With an international group of leading scholars representing a range of disciplines, this book offers a broad perspective on the dynamics of EMU.

The European Union (EU) has undergone remarkable change in the last century, from frequent conflicts in the first part of the last century, to peace, stability and unprecedented prosperity in the second half. As we move into the first half of the twenty-first century, there is also a sense that a fragile economic renaissance is underway in the EU, but one that is fraught with challenges and difficulties. Contrary to many of the vociferous critics of the single currency project (mostly US economists and some UK politicians, most notably Thatcher (2002), to date the project has met with remarkable success, despite the dramatic fall in the euro from its launch date and the strains imposed on EU economies following the recent downturn in the world economy. EU Enlargement has now been successfully completed, and although there have been painful discussions on EU institutional reform to accommodate the expansion, a breakdown in the 2005 budget negotiations and an controversy over the implementation of the Stability and Growth pact, it is likely that this will not impede the addition of new Member States from the east.

The launch of the Euro has already had profound effects on both European economies and societies - but it is also of huge importance for the international community as a whole. This timely book, from a collection of key names in European Integration Studies, is an authoritative piece of work that is truly multi-disciplinary by nature.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203463390