In the new edition, it is significantly more compact and addresses current topics such as the Euro crisis, Grexit, Brexit, and more. It presents the fundamentals and specialized topics of European politics and economics in a straightforward manner. Complex economic relationships are made understandable. "Hot topics," such as labor migration or the strengthening of member states in relation to the EU, are tackled without reservation. In its fourth edition, the book clarifies the economic and political aspects of the European Union. It outlines fundamental assumptions and structures, describes past processes and significant successes, as well as failures and design flaws. Fundamentals and specialized topics are presented clearly, and complex economic relationships are explained in an easily understandable way. It is thoroughly explained why the EU cannot continue to exist in its current form if it does not address economic crises and political issues.