Introduction

Throughout Europe people are beginning to appreciate that the European Union (EU) can have far-reaching effects upon their daily lives. Decisions taken by the EU have, for example, affected interest rates, the length of the standard working week, the pension rights of part-time workers and the ability of British farmers to export their produce. This book considers economic developments in the European Union and will assess their significance for the people in the member states. The focus of the analysis is on the consequences of Europe-wide developments for particular groups of citizens or for those located in certain member states. In this way, we try to reflect the diversity of European countries within the overarching structure of the Union while considering the often conflicting, but sometimes complementary, interests of the different groups. A Europe which offers profitable opportunities for business, for instance, might not necessarily work in the interests of its people as workers, shareholders, consumers, taxpayers, parents and so on.