The Introduction discusses the British usage of the term ’Europe’ and its historically contingent connotations before it outlines the complex historical relationship between the two entities, both of whom were in perennial flux. Global wars, imperialist ambitions, religious affiliations, revolutions political and industrial, travel and technology all played a part in shaping its permutations. The volume’s multi-pronged approach to the topic comprises four parts, covering geographical zones of influence, pan-European movements, cultural transfers, and uncertainties and anxieties. The editors also point to alternative critical approaches to ’Europe’ including philosophical discussions about the idea of Europe and literary essays on the topic.

This chapter commences by looking at how the ideas of Europe and European Union have informed debates about the European Union. It then traces the history of the European Union since the Second World War. It considers how two ideas have been central to European integration. Intergovernmentalism emphasises the place of the national State within European integration, and sees it as the only arena serving as the locus for democracy. Supranationalism allows for political decision-makers that are not national ones, the overriding of the national veto and conceives democracy as something that can transcend the nation State. The chapter then looks at the current treaties which establish the European Union. The Treaty on European Union set outs its institutions, central values and foreign and defence policy. The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union sets out its other policies. The chapter culminates by looking at the crises that have beset the Union in recent years: the sovereign debt crisis, Brexit, the crisis in liberal values, Covid-19 and, most recently, the crisis in Ukraine.