"Maastricht and Beyond" is a broad-based survey of the importance of the Maastricht Treaty in furthering the aims of European Union. It places the Treaty firmly within the context of the new Europe, analyzing the problems which now have to be faced in achieving increased unity and the extent to which the Treaty provides an adequate solution to them. The book begins with an examination of the current political and geo-political situation of Europe, discussing the crisis of government within individual states as well as the the disappearance of the Cold War divide and the reunification of Germany. Contributors go on to look at the dynamics of the Treaty of European Union, the major reforms it proposes, the role of intergovernmental conferences and the obstacles to ratification, especially in Britain and Denmark. Part Two covers the policies of the Union in each field. There are chapters on the institutions of the Community and, finally, an assessment of further enlargement and the threat of disintegration.

Maastricht and Beyond is a critical assessment of the European Union brought into being by the Treaty of Maastricht. A team of experts provide a clear and thorough appraisal of the main provisions of the Treaty - including the three pillared structure of Economic and Monetary Union, common foreign and security policy and home affairs and justice - showing how these elements will change the function and eventually the character of the European Union. The book draws conclusions from the Maastricht process for the next reform of the Union in 1996, and it examines the practicalities of achieving a fully-fledged federal democracy, making proposals for a constitutional settlement. Maastricht and Beyond will appeal to both informed generalists and to students and scholars who want a fresh approach to the stale arguments over Maastricht, who seek enlightenment over what the Treaty is for and who have the curiosity to look forward to 1996 and beyond.