1. Setting the Scene: The 'Crises', the Challenges and Their Implications for the Nature and Operation of the EU .- PART 1: THE HISTORICAL EVOLUTION.- 2. The Post-War Transformation of Western Europe .- 3. The Creation of the European Community.- 4. The Deepening of the Integration Process .- 5. The Widening of the Integration Process.- PART 2: THE EVOLVING TREATY FRAMEWORK.- 6. From Rome to Nice.- 7. The Constitutional and Lisbon Treaties.- 8. Treaties and the Integration Process.- PART 3: THE INSTITUTIONS AND POLITICAL ACTORS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.- 9. The Commission.- 10. The Council of the European Union.- 11. The European Council.- 12. The European Parliament.- 13. European Union Law and the EU's Courts.- 14. Other Institutions.- 15. Interests.- 16. The Member States.- PART 4: POLICIES AND POLICY PROCESSES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.- 17. Understanding EU Policies.- 18. Policy Processes.- 19. Making and Applying EU Legislation.- 20. Internal Policies.- 21. Agricultural Policy and Policy Processes.- 22. External Policies.- 23. The Budget.- PART 5: STEPPING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD.- 24. Conceptualising the European Union.- 25. Theorising European Integration and EU Politics.- 26. Conclusion: Present Realities and Future Prospects.- Chronology.- Guide to Further Reading.- Bibliography and References. Skryť popis