The definitive textbook on EU politics and governance, now in its 8th edition, has been thoroughly updated throughout to take into account the ongoing developments and evolution of the EU. Major changes, recent developments, and the major crises that have befallen the union in recent times are analysed within this context. This includes eurozone crisis, the migration crisis, and the UK's decision to leave the EU.

Acclaimed author and academic Neill Nugent has written a comprehensive text, enabling students with no prior knowledge of the EU to master the subject. By detailing the historical evolution of European integration, Nugent gives the necessary context to his exhaustive analysis of policies, process, institutions and treaties. This has grown to include two new chapters on Member State Relations and Interest Representation. The final section considers concepts and theories with EU studies, providing a succinct, accessible introduction to theory, which can be read as standalone chapters.

Completely redesigned and updated throughout with a new structure to increase readability and packed with numerous pedagogical features -document excerpts, case studies, maps figures - and supported by a fully stocked companion website with resources for both students and lecturers, this text is an essential for students new to EU studies.

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.