Overview

This book examines the political dynamics and complexities of the European Council at a time of seemingly chronic crisis and rapid political change. Providing insight into the everyday workings of this critically important EU institution, it covers: why the European Council matters; its roles and responsibilities; its impact on the EU over time, including in response to the Russian War and the COVID-19 pandemic; and the role that the European Council might play in the EU’s uncertain future. Including pedagogical features such as boxes, tables and graphics to help study and revision, the book also covers under-researched areas such as: - The relationship and rivalry of the European Council President and the European Commission President - The role of European political parties in summits and debates - Communication around the European council, including the use of social media, doorstops, and press briefings - The background of members of the European Council - How national coalition government affects leaders’ participation in the European Council - The involvement of the European Council in the EU policy cycle - The changing nature and political significance of European Council meetings and conclusions Designed for students of the EU, comparative European politics and international relations, this book is a concise introduction to the EU’s collective leadership body, its key office holders, and its relation to member states.

Full Product Details

9781350514041

Table of Contents

Reviews

The book provides a thoughtful synthesis of the Council’s institutional development, decision-making process, and political significance, making it a valuable contribution to a deeper understanding of how this key body influences European governance. * Irène Hill Affiliation, Oxford Brookes University, UK * Timely and well-written book covering the key developments, roles and influence of the European Council for the European integration and EU’s role in the world. * Ingi Iusmen, University of Southampton, UK *

Desmond Dinan and Ralf Drachenberg are known to be leading experts on The European Council. With this book they confirm it again. * Klaus Welle, Former Secretary General of the European Parliament * A must-read for anyone interested in the European Union. Comprehensive, informative, thoughtful, entertaining, and written in an accessible language. A brilliant foray into the inner workings of the European project and the best key for unlocking the secrets of the European Council. Trust my word as long-time practitioner. * Jim Cloos, Secretary-General of the Trans European Policy Studies Association, Belgium * The book provides a thoughtful synthesis of the Council’s institutional development, decision-making process, and political significance, making it a valuable contribution to a deeper understanding of how this key body influences European governance. * Irène Hill Affiliation, Oxford Brookes University, UK * Timely and well-written book covering the key developments, roles and influence of the European Council for the European integration and EU’s role in the world. * Ingi Iusmen, University of Southampton, UK *

Author Information

Desmond Dinan is Professor of public policy at George Mason University, USA, where he holds an ad personam Jean Monnet Chaira. Ralf Drachenberg is a long-standing policy analyst in the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in Brussels, in the unit dedicated to analyzing the European Council, and holds a PhD in European politics from the University of Brunel, UK.

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