This book provides a broad introduction to the history and politics of the European Union. It focuses on the historical context of European integration; the creation of the single economy and euro; the evolution of decision-making mechanisms; the process, problems and limits of enlargement; the quest for a common foreign and defense policy; and the emergence of the EU as a distinctive actor in the global arena. The book also takes a close look at contemporary policy problems, with special emphasis on agriculture, regional policy, energy and the environment, and immigration. It gives special attention to the admission of the Central and East European countries, relations with Russia, and EU-US relations, as well.