This is a general text on the relationship between the EU and its member states; it complements the volumes on each of the main individual states (Germany, France, UK, Spain, Italy) by providing a more systematic assessment of the nature and impact of membership and coverage of the other member states.
Brigid Laffan is an Irish political scientist and Emeritus professor at Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute. Politico Europe ranked her among women who shape Europe in November 2018. She has been Chancellor of the University of Limerick since November 2023.