The EU in a Nutshell Everything You Wanted to Know about the European Union But Didn't Know Who to Ask

Discover the truth about the EU ... There are 70 words in the Lord's Prayer. 271 in the Gettysburg Address. 313 in the Ten Commandments. And European Commission Regulation (EC) No 1284/2002, laying down the marketing size for hazelnuts (in shell), runs to . 2,509 words. The European Union is a tough nut to crack. Ever-present in political debates and pub conversations, how much do we really know about it? Regarded by some as a bureaucratic and undemocratic monster, others see it as a glorious economic and political union presiding over a Europe of unprecedented peace and stability. But what's the reality? This book gives readers the answers in a nutshell. Author Lee Rotherham has painstakingly compiled thousands of fascinating stats, curious quotes and outright oddities relating to the EU, ranging from the serious to the silly. They cover how the EU works, how it is perceived and how to assess its worth. Arranged in an attractive and highly readable format, this book will keep readers nibbling away for hour after hour. Crack open the nut to discover, among other things: - The ten guiding principles of the European Project - What the 32 Directorates-General are and what they do - The formula by which you can produce a mathematical analysis of each country's EU membership - How much is saved in wages each day EU staff go on strike Along the way you'll laugh out loud, become unbeatable at the politics round in quizzes, and understand why the Fathers of Europe wanted you to feel proud and emotional when you hear 'Ode to Joy', not think about the strict regulations for bent cucumbers. The EU In A Nutshell contains a rich bounty of facts - it's the perfect book for anyone wishing to find out more about the EU and its workings and be entertained along the way. So if you are simply trying to figure out how the whole EU thing fits together (and why) or if you're a political junky in need of a quick fix on some EU trivia, this book is for you. Grab the nutcracker and let's get started ...