The European Union's Constitutional treaty has been much talked about, usually critically, by those who see it either as a blueprint for a centralized and protectionist super-state or as the triumph of Anglo-Saxon economics that will undermine the European social model and the institutions which support it. It has created great controversy throughout Europe yet it has been little read, notably in the United Kingdom, partly because the text has not been widely circulated.

Understanding the European Constitution seeks to redress this imbalance and is the only book in English to give the reader an impartial and concise view of this Treaty. It is an invaluable tool to understanding the Treaty and includes a copy of the core document in full, a detailed and expert analysis of its main themes and a brief introduction to the rest of the treaty. The issues that are covered include:

*How and why the treaty came about
*How its content compares to the European Union's existing treaties
*Why it has attracted so much controversy
*The difficulties in trying to understand it, notably its dual status as treaty and constitution
*The way that the treaty will be ratified and the issues that will figure in this ratification debate

Understanding the European Constitution is written in uncomplicated language with explanatory tables and a glossary by two long standing students of the treaties. It is essential reading for all students with interests in Politics, the European Union and Law.