The 'new' European Union has been constantly evolving since the mid 1980s, and it shows no sign of standing still: the Euro is becoming an international currency, a new round of Treaty reforms is imminent, and the Union is politically committed to enlarge its membership radically. Virtually, the only constant is the EU's institutions, which are both unique and time-honoured after 50 years of European integration. As this volume shows, the institutions of the EU, individually and collectively, perform multiple tasks: providing the EU with political direction, managing policies, and integrating interests. Divided into three thematic sections, this book offers the reader the first comprehensive study of the EU's functions, powers, and compositions of EU institutions. The clear focus of the book is on how institutions work in tandem, and the interrelationship, differing functions, and importance of the various institutions. The book brings together leading-edge contributors who actively research on the changing relationship between EU institutions. Each chapter follows the same sequence and format to provide a fully integrated text and each chapter features multiple exhibits - including policy case studies, illustrative diagrams, and tables to bring the text alive. Set to become the authoritative study of EU institutions, no student or teacher of EU politics will want to be without this innovative text.