This report contains oral and written evidence from the Minister for Europe on the outcome of the European Council held in Brussels in June 2006, and evidence from the Finnish Ambassador to the UK on the priorities at the start of the Finnish EU Presidency. The topics covered in the latter include: data protection; freedom, security and justice; fundamental rights; internal market, northern dimension; nuclear power; transparency in the Council of Ministers; women's rights. The Minister for Europe covers Commission reform; Council transparency; energy policy; enlargement; financial perspective; fundamental rights; internal market; the Lisbon agenda; the constitution; policing and criminal law; subsidiarity; migration; and UK abatement.

With a focus on governmental institutions, this book explores the ways in which EU membership has altered the balance of power among key political actors. The authors discuss cultural adaptation to integration, as well as examining the views of the elite and voters. The transformation in national identity, sovereignty and neutrality are also examined.