The new edition of this lively and student-friendly text provides an engaging introduction to all aspects of politics and policy in the European Union, giving readers a sense of the colour of EU politics and its impact on people's lives.The text examines the history, institutions, processes and policies of the European Union as well as the theories developed to explain its character and evolution. The second edition has been thoroughly updated to cover the 2014 European Parliament elections and new appointments to all the major EU institutions, along with the ongoing fallout from the euro zone crisis. A new boxed feature on 'understanding integration' shows how theories and concepts developed in political science illuminate different aspects of European Union politics. Noted for its clarity and vivid style, each chapter of European Union Politics is enhanced by: Photos and descriptions of events, thinkers and political actorsBreakdowns of key debatesChapter summaries and guides to further readingOn-page definitions The companion website is available at www.palgrave.com/politics/mccormick and provides: Self-test questions and answersUpdate materialsSearchable glossary and chronologyWeb-links and further readingAdditional lecturer resources"