The untold story of the crises & compromises that united a continent As financial turmoil in Europe preoccupies political leaders & global markets it becomes more important than ever to understand the forces that underpin the European Union hold it together & drive it forward This timely book provides a gripping account of the realities of power politics among European states & between their leaders Drawing on long experience working behind the scenes Luuk van Middelaar captures the dynamics & tensions shaping the European Union from its origins until today It is a story of unexpected events & twists of fate bold vision & sheer necessity told from the perspective of the keyplayers
- from de Gaulle to Havel Thatcher to Merkel Van Middelaar cuts through the institutional complexity by exploring the unforeseen outcomes of decisive moments & focusing on the quest for public legitimacy As a first-hand witness to the day-to-day actions & decisions of Europe's leaders the author provides a vivid narrative of the crises & compromises that united a continent By revisiting the past he sheds fresh light on the present state of European unification & offers insights into what the future may hold