Begins by introducing the origins and historical development of the European Community and then progresses to provide an analysis of the powers, influence and functioning of its principal institutions and political actors as well as analysing its policy interests and processes.

Part 1 The historical evolution: the post-war transformation; the development of the Community. Part 2 The institutions and political actors of the Community: the Commission; the council of ministers; the European parliament; Community Law and the Court of Justice; the European council; other institutions and actors. Part 3 Policies and policy processes of the Community: Community policies; policy processes; the budget; agricultural policy and policy processes - a detailed study; national influences and controls on Community processes. Conclusion: present realities and future prospects; chronology of main events in the development of the European Community; selected further reading.