<P>Making often complex concepts easily comprehended, this book enables the reader to quickly build a solid and well-rounded understanding of the EU's history and present, covering: key debates on Europe, the ambiguous relationship with the US, the EU's internal and external activities, structure and institutions.</P><P>Fully updated throughout, key additions for the second edition include extensive discussion of the financial crisis, changes in the Lisbon treaty, updates to the EU’s domestic policies (Esp CAP and CFP) and a new discussion of the future developments and new directions. </P><P> </P>