The evolution of the European Community has not followed a smooth path on the way to European Union. Richard McAllister's history considers a number of key episodes and periods that have had a long-term impact in shaping the European Community, providing a reminder of key battles to date.

The evolution of the European Community has not followed a smooth path on the way to European Union. Richard McAllister's comprehensive history considers a number of key episodes and periods that have had a long-term impact in shaping the European Community, providing a reminder of key battles to date. Community institutions, member states and non-members have all sought to mould the European Community according to their individal wishes. Consequently the European Union has been shaped by the interaction between various grand designs as well as real world crises. The process towards European Union has been neither predictable nor controllable. This book is thus a timely reminder that the world is not a simple or predictable place.