Understanding the European Constitution An Introduction to the EU Constitutional Treaty

The European Union's Constitutional treaty has been much talked about, usually critically, by those who see it either as a blueprint for a centralized and protectionist super-state or as the triumph of Anglo-Saxon economics that will undermine the European social model and the institutions which support it. It has created great controversy throughout Europe yet it has been little read, notably in the United Kingdom, partly because the text has not been widely circulated.
"Understanding the European Constitution "seeks to redress this imbalance and is the only book in English to give the reader an impartial and concise view of this Treaty. It is an invaluable tool to understanding the Treaty and includes a copy of the core document in full, a detailed and expert analysis of its main themes and a brief introduction to the rest of the treaty. The issues that are covered include:
*How and why the treaty came about
*How its content compares to the European Union's existing treaties
*Why it has attracted so much controversy
*The difficulties in trying to understand it, notably its dual status as treaty and constitution
*The way that the treaty will be ratified and the issues that will figure in this ratification debate
"Understanding the European Constitution" is written in uncomplicated language with explanatory tables and a glossary by two long standing students of the treaties. It is essential reading for all students with interests in Politics, the European Union and Law.

The European Union is now entering a crucial phase as the ratification process accelerates and key debates and referenda take place in existing and potentially new member states. The Union’s Constitutional treaty is often cast as either a blueprint for a centralized and protectionist super-state or as the triumph of Anglo-Saxon economics. Yet it has been little read, particularly in the United Kingdom. This book puts this right by publishing the full text of the crucial first part of the document and showing that it does not justify either of the extreme interpretations imposed on it. Written by two experts of the treaties, Understanding the European Constitution sets the Constitutional Treaty in context, examining its main themes and content and considering the implications of any rejection. It does this in uncomplicated language and with the help of explanatory tables and a glossary. Those who wish to make a considered verdict on the basis of the facts will find it invaluable.

1. Introduction 2. The Context 3. Thinking About the Constitutional Treaty 4. Part 1: The Official Text 5. Part 2: An Analysis of the Constitutional Treaty's Basics 6. Parts 3-4: IV and Beyond, an Overview 7. Coming to a Decision

Clive Church is Emeritus Jean Monnet Professor of European Studies at the University of Kent and member of its Centre for Swiss Politics. His research interests continue to be in Swiss politics and the constitutional and democratic development of the EU. His most recent publications are The Penguin Guide to the European Treaties (Penguin, 2002) – co-authored with David Phinnemore and The Politics and Government of Switzerland (Palgrave, 2003). David Phinnemore is Senior Lecturer in European Integration at Queen’s University Belfast. His research interests include EU treaty reform, EU enlargement and EU-Romania relations and he is co-author with Clive H. Church of The Penguin Guide to the European Treaties (Penguin, 2002)