I care about the European Union (EU) and I care to understand it, possibly without too many preconceptions. The desire to comprehend, explain or, at least, minimally grasp its complexities is what motivates this work and probably also, as a European, my innate eagerness to be part of it.

Most of my adult life, first as a student and then as an academic, has been inexorably shaped by EU policies. I had the chance to study, work and travel abroad, opportunities that my parents would have not even dreamt of. As a result, my horizons broadened and my desire for critical understanding deepened.

This book is therefore the result of a long journey of research. It would have not seen the light of day without the support and encouragement of many institutions, colleagues and friends. Early on, in 1994, the Brighton Business School provided me with much needed financial backing, and its staff with much appreciated encouragement, even before I commenced my academic career. They were my springboard and I thank them dearly. The foundations of this work were laid down between 1995 and 2000 during my Ph. D. at the London School of Economics where I encountered a challenging and stimulating research environment. I am profoundly indebted to Cheryl Schonhardt-Bailey, a tough – and thus excellent – supervisor, and to Simon Hix, a friend and an inspiring colleague with contagious enthusiasm about Europe and our discipline.