This well-respected text provides a lively, comprehensive, and authoritative account of the emergence and evolution of the European Union from the aftermath of the Second World War to the uncertainties of the present era. It explains the forces, events, and individuals that have shaped one of the most unusual and controversial political entities in history. This second edition, which forms part of the successful New EU series, covers key issues including the antecedents of European integration in the years before the Second World War; the challenges of reconstruction and reconciliation in the early post-war period; the ups and downs of European integration in 1960s and 1970s; the acceleration of European integration in the late 1980s and early 1990s; almost-continuous enlargement; the eurozone crisis; the constitutionalization of the EU; and Britain's troubled membership. The text is updated throughout and includes new chapters focusing on Britain and European integration, and the constitutionalization of the EU. Further reading guides encourage students to develop their interest and understanding, and this text is one of many OUP EU titles supported by an online resource centre including: Maps of enlargement Journal articles Interactive map of Europe Interactive timeline Web links.