An indispensable manual for the informed citizen, student.This guide has a dual purpose: a) to define and clarify EU terminology; and b) to offer some guidance, for those preparing for competition tests for administrators A or B of the EU institutions, as to the form and content such a test usually takes. Bearing these two objectives in mind, the book has been divided into three parts. The first contains a dictionary, the second appendices, and the third a list of multiple-choice questions and answers. The dictionary consists of about 350 entries, in alphabetical order, which provide information on the stucture, workings and responsibilities of the main and secondary institutions of the EU. These entries delineate the evolution of these institutions from the time of their inception to their present form, as a result of the major Treaties concluded over the years. In addition, the entries deal with the procedures followed in the legislative process, as well as the obligations and rights arising from Community law. Secondly, the dictionary deals with the long-standing and highly developed EU policies aimed at perfecting the common market and accelerating the process of integration, so as to facilitate the establishment of the Economic and Monetary Union. The way these are implemented, and the degree of responsibility the EU has vis-a-vis national governments is also addressed. Community policies are complementary to each other and most of their objectives overlap. as do the programmes and funds financing them. Neverhteless, wherever possible, this book divides the main policies into sub-policies in order to provide the reader with more detailied information on certain aspects. For instance, there are separate entries for Research and Technological Development and Trans-European Networks, although they could have been placed under the heading of Industrial Policy. The Trans-European Networks are divided further into energy, environment, telecommunications and transport policy. Thirdly, the dictionary provides information on a number of programmes, action plans and funds of the EU that are indispensable to the implementation of Community policies. The structural funds, essential components of the Common Agricultural, Regional and Social Policy of the Community, have been given extensive coverage, but an effort has been made to include as many as possible of the lesser known funds related to culture, education, media, declining industries, etc. Lastly, the dictionary contains entries that deal with the relations and attitudes of the EU to third parties, both within and outside Europe, including central and eastern European countries, the ACP countries, the Overseas Countries and Territories as well as a number of other countries with which the Community has signed preferential agreements. Reference is also made to the leading trading partners of the Community, especially in the context of the GATT negotiations. Part II, consists of 21 appendices providing specific and detailed information on a variety of issues. Some of the appendices are essential to individual entries. Part III, consists of 300 multiple-choice questions in the style of the EU entry tests, and is divided into a number of thematic headings. The questions of the EU revolve around the issues covered in the dictionary and are fully answered by the information provided there. The research for this book is based on an extensive bibliography, and on primary sources, such as Treaties, conventions, and agreements. In a number of cases where conflicting information was given by different authors, the problem was resolved through direct contact with the institution, agency or body concerned. This book is not meant to be a critique of the functioning, efficiency, policies or purpose of the Union, nor to present the debates surrounding them. Rather, every attempt has been made to present an objective overview by describing the policies, institutions and the workings of the EU as they are claimed to be by their creators. It is hoped that this Guide will make some contribution towards an understanding of the complex institutions of the EU and provide some clarification of its terminology, while also being of value to students, the general public, as well as to various organizations, journalists and EU competition entrants. Maria D-Hassiotis, London, May 1999.
