The Integration of the European Union and Domestic Political Issues

The integration of the European Union may well be a worthwhile enterprise bringing many economic and social advantages, but integration faces many obstacles, from attachment to nationalism to opposition to a federal governmental system. Feld examines how the European Union countries arrived at their current situation and the prospects for further strengthening of ties. Feld contents that, given appropriate leadership in some EU member states, more and more citizens may begin to realize the advantages that flow from an effective combined effort, including a common currency capable of bringing extensive economic and social benefits to the EU population. As Feld maintains, the shape of future developments will depend on the number of added EU members and their economic and sociological histories.