The global crisis poses new challenges for Europe and requires a steadfast resumption of the integration process. This book deals with the European economy from a dual vantage point. The first half describes the main stages of integration and identifies the key features and the working structure of the European social and economic model. The second half addresses the interplay of factors that have led to a serious international crisis and evaluates its impact for the future of integration. On the new world stage only through an economic policy befitting its global power status can Europe hope to trigger domestic growth and face the challenges that await her.

Paolo Guerrieri teaches European Integration Economics at "La Sapienza" University in Rome and the European College in Bruges.

Pier Carlo Padoan teaches Political Economy at "La Sapienza" University in Rome and is currently general deputy secretary at the OECD.