At last, a book about recent challenges to the European project that is concise, cogent, and clear about the possible ways forward. In this excellent book, Staab puts the politics of European integration at center stage and offers readers a front-row view of the competing ideas and interests at stake. This expert analysis of five major dilemmas facing the EU will stimulate much discussion and is a must for European politics and EU-related reading lists.
— Jennifer Yoder, Colby College
Thought-provoking and deeply insightful. The book convincingly identifies key dilemmas and tensions of the European integration process, both past and present, whilst offering a comprehensive yet pragmatic overview of possible options for the EU’s future development: A great read from an inspired author on the multi-layered and complex issues of Europe’s future.
— Irena Andrassy, Permanent Representative of Croatia to the European Union
It is hard enough to understand the confounding intricacies of the European Union. It is a greater challenge still to grasp the existential challenges faced by the EU in its defense of democratic institutions, in its economic diversity, in its experiment with a common currency and in its approach to humanitarian crises. Staab’s clarity and level-headedness in addressing these important issues make this book a must-read for students of the EU, and for anyone who hopes to understand the world’s largest trading bloc and its future.
— Adam Grossberg, Trinity College
Who would have thought that yet another book about the challenges to European integration would trigger such enthusiastic interest? Andreas Staab’s latest work offers a thorough analysis of the various options for reforming the European Union, all of which are realistic, pragmatic, and operational. The question is: Will politicians have the courage to follow the path proposed in this book?
— Peter Ib Bruun Goldschmidt, European Centre for Judges and Lawyers
This is an engaging and well-researched book. Staab identifies the most pressing issues that could tear Europe apart, whilst also providing a convincing argument for a more flexible way forward. Those who care about the success of a peaceful European integration will do well to consider the arguments made in these pages.
— Christian Weller, University of Massachusetts Boston