Andreas Wehr describes the European Union as a fragile alliance. In it, the power ambitions of the large member states dominate. Among them, a strengthened Germany sets the tone. Under its leadership, a strong economic core Europe is developing, surrounded by a weak periphery. The volume divides the history of the EU into three sections: The early years were characterized by a slow progress of integration, interrupted by long phases of stagnation. With the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, integration gained momentum. In the wake of global neoliberalism, the EU became the most important European actor in enforcing market openings, privatizations, and deregulations. This culminated in the demand to develop it into the most competitive and dynamic economic area in the world. This goal has not yet been achieved.