Book review: "The road to a united Europe", by Christian D. de Fouloy and Dr. Paul Rübig 

Europe's economic geography is changing with enlargement. Its political geography is changing with the convening of an unprecedented Constitution that redefines notions of sovereignty and modalities of governance. Its cultural geography is changing with enlargement to the East and the consequent shift in the center of the EU's population. And its strategic geography is changing in response to America's superpower status and the growing desire to formulate a Common European Foreign Policy.

Highlights of the book include:

The enlargement of the European Union will bring fundamental changes in its policies, structures and decision-making processes. The shape of relations between countries will be determined not only by those responsible in politics, but also by those who spread information in society, economy and the media. The improvement of mutual understanding including questions of history and culture will form an important part in the prevention of prejudices and reservations against the opening of markets, the alignment of polity and the transfer of responsibilities.

Enlargement is likely to accentuate cleavages within the EU by defining new poles of influence based on historical, cultural, geographic and economic patterns.

Enlargement will most certainly increase interstate bargains and reinforce the importance of national powers and interests. Each Member State will view cooperation through the lens of its own policy preferences and the ideological and geostrategic approach will mirror national interests. It is to be expected that New Member States will behave just as selfishly as the old Members do.

What factors will determine the role of Member States within an EU 25? Who will be the winners and losers as money and markets flow in different directions? Will the integration process benefit all players in the long run?

For more information on the book and order, please contact:

Unicorn Publishing Studio
Tel: + 48 22 755 87 62
Fax: +48 22 724 68 12
E-mail:

SME-Union
Tel: +32 2 233 38 33
E-mail: