Starting from an analytical foundation, this book aims to explain and illuminate some of the most essential issues related to the further development of Europe as a regional economic and political entity, as well as the main choices associated with them.
Transcending the narrow confines of a strictly academic study, the book seeks to engage the interest of every informed reader and, in this way, contribute to the discussion about the future of Europe. The goal may seem, perhaps, ambitious; however, it corresponds to the fundamental reasoning that the issues of European integration need to acquire a clearer political character.
I took more than a year to write the book, and many more years to crystallize the ideas expressed within it. These ideas come from various sources, some of which are now difficult to trace in their original form.
The shaping of these ideas has been influenced by both my long experience as an academic teacher and researcher in various countries, as well as my (certainly shorter) involvement in the private sector and public life; particularly significant has been my continuous effort to act as an active European citizen, which has greatly enriched my experiences.
The ideas contained here have generally been articulated on other occasions as well; thus, they have already been evaluated by various audiences, consisting either of students or individuals involved in shaping European developments. The book would never have been possible without the inspiration, access to information, and feedback provided by many diverse people.
Even when one becomes accustomed to changing environments, certain stations last longer than others. Athens, Oxford, London, Bruges, and Florence have been cities where I have spent a significant part of my life to date. I am grateful to all my friends and colleagues for the privilege they have given me to learn from them.
(...) [Excerpt from the text of the preface]
