European University Institute Library

The European Council, Wolfgang Wessels

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 254-274) and index

index present

non fiction

The European Council

bibliography

909321031

Wolfgang Wessels

The European Union series

This systematic assessment of the -often opaque- European Council looks at its nature and function, as well as its impact on EU supranational and intergovernmental goals. Taking account of both historical and contemporary developments up to and beyond the Lisbon Treaty, it encourages in-depth understanding in light of key theoretical debates.--, Provided by publisher

PART I: The European Council: Overview and History -- 1. Introduction: The Many Faces of the European Council -- 2. Multiple Approaches for Understanding a Contested Institution: Three Models -- 3. Pre-History: the Birth of Institutionalised Summitry -- 4. History: Generations of Leaders and the Institutional Trajectory -- PART II: The Role of the European Council Within the EU Architecture -- 5. Political and Procedural Leadership: General Functions and Specific Powers -- 6. Towards a New Institutional Balance? Trends in Inter-Institutional Relations -- PART III: Inside the European Council: The Dynamics of Decision Making - 7. The Presidency: Charismatic Master or Facilitating Manager? - 8. Rules for Organisation: the Search for an Optimal Institutional Arrangement - 9. Decision-Making: The Ways to Consensus Formation - 10. Decision-Making: The Power Dimension - PART IV: Activities, Agreements and Acts -- 11. Deepening: The Constitutional Architect -- 12. Widening: The Master of Enlargement -- 13. Economic Governance: Towards a 'gouvernement économique'? -- 14. External Action: In Search of a Coherent and Effective Global Role -- 15. The Area of Freedom, Security and Justice: Pre-Constitutional and Pre-Legislative Functions -- PART V: Conclusions and Perspectives: A Key Institution's Rise and Decline? -- 16. The European Council: Looking Back to Look Forward