‘The European Union is the result of a number of bold moves in the immediate postwar period and a painstaking process of small steps made afterwards often as a result of crises. This created an extraordinarily complex web of institutions interacting (sometimes fighting) with each other. It is fair to say that no single individual is capable of understanding the full complexity of this construction. Annette Bongardt and Francisco Torres, the authors of this important book, managed beautifully to peer through the complexities of European integration to unveil its essential features. As a result, we are blessed with a book that finds the right balance between simplicity, needed to understand, and complexity without which our understanding remains shallow’.
Paul De Grauwe
John Paulson Chair in European Political Economy
The London School of Economics and Political Science

‘These lessons provide a lucid and complete overview from WWII to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Students at the Católica Lisbon have been lucky to attend this course. The book makes the lectures accessible to all – students, researchers, lecturers, policymakers and the general public – interested in the Economics and Politics of European integration’.
Vitor Gaspar
Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department
International Monetary Fund

‘This book offers a comprehensive overview of the political economy of Europe. Covering the basics of European institutions and governance, policy and history, it provides excellent insights into complex matters, using an accessible writing style. It is a “must read” for students of European integration’.
Amy Verdun
Professor of Political Science and Jean Monnet Chair in European Integration Studies
University of Victoria