Understanding the European Constitution

The European Union is now entering a crucial phase as the ratification process accelerates and key debates and referenda take place in existing and potentially new member states.

The Union’s Constitutional treaty is often cast as either a blueprint for a centralized and protectionist super-state or as the triumph of Anglo-Saxon economics. Yet it has been little read, particularly in the United Kingdom. This book puts this right by publishing the full text of the crucial first part of the document and showing that it does not justify either of the extreme interpretations imposed on it.

Written by two experts of the treaties, Understanding the European Constitution sets the Constitutional Treaty in context, examining its main themes and content and considering the implications of any rejection. It does this in uncomplicated language and with the help of explanatory tables and a glossary. Those who wish to make a considered verdict on the basis of the facts will find it invaluable.

Clive Church is Emeritus Jean Monnet Professor of European Studies at the University of Kent and member of its Centre for Swiss Politics. His research interests continue to be in Swiss politics and the constitutional and democratic development of the EU. His most recent publications are The Penguin Guide to the European Treaties (Penguin, 2002) – co-authored with David Phinnemore and The Politics and Government of Switzerland (Palgrave, 2003).

David Phinnemore is Senior Lecturer in European Integration at Queen’s University Belfast. His research interests include EU treaty reform, EU enlargement and EU-Romania relations and he is co-author with Clive H. Church of The Penguin Guide to the European Treaties (Penguin, 2002)