The European Union has launched an important debate on the future of the EU budget from 2013. This discussion is to cover all aspects of EU revenue and expenditure, including that on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP has been radically transformed in recent years, but the issue of its reform, including its goals, its effectiveness in reaching them and the question of division of responsibility and financing between the EU and member states, is once again at the centre of attention.

This collection features well-known experts in the field and aims to contribute to the debate on the present state and future prospects of the CAP and other EU policies. The topics covered range from the EU budget to food safety, rural development, sustainable food consumption, and the influence of international trade negotiations. Many of the ideas presented here are original and controversial and intended to fuel the debate on this important topic. For instance, there are various proposals for the EU budget, the division of responsibilities between the EU and its member states, and the shape of the CAP post-2013.

The European Union has launched an important debate on the future of the EU budget from 2013. This discussion is to cover all aspects of EU revenue and expenditure, including that on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP has been radically transformed in recent years, but the issue of its reform, including its goals, its effectiveness in reaching them and the question of division of responsibility and financing between the EU and member states, is once again at the centre of attention. This collection features well-known experts in the field and aims to contribute to the debate on the present state and future prospects of the CAP and other EU policies. The topics covered range from the EU budget to food safety, rural development, sustainable food consumption, and the influence of international trade negotiations. Many of the ideas presented here are original and controversial and intended to fuel the debate on this important topic. For instance, there are various proposals for the EU budget, the division of responsibilities between the EU and its member states, and the shape of the CAP post-2013.

First published in 1998, this volume's approach is intended to be positive rather than normative and to identify criteria for evaluating which countries should join and the probable consequences of EU enlargement, along with the effects of temporary exclusion from the EU. It is a revised and enlarged version of a background paper first presented at the May 1997 meeting of the European University Institute Working Group on Eastern Enlargement, and published as a European University Institute working paper. Enlargement is widely considered to be the way to spread stability, prosperity and security eastward, and has been agreed to by the Union for that end. Susan Senior Nello is responsible for the economic content of this book, with Karen Smith heading the political and institutional aspects.

This text offers an accessible introduction to the European Union for undergraduate students. Although the text maintains an emphasis on policy within the EU, it also details the history and economics of the EU, the institutions and strategies in place, and the enlargement process. Key issues such as climate change, the economic crisis and the Lisbon Treaty are also covered. Senior Nello's clear, non-technical explanations and use of appendices for more detailed discussion of theory, ensures the book will appeal to students of economics, business, politics, history, law and European studies.