Behind Closed Doors: The EU Negotiations that Shaped Modern Ireland
Peter Brennan
€40/£29.95
ISBN: 978-1-84218-139-3 ~500 pages 234x156mm PB
28 May 2008
The shift in prosperity that occurred in Ireland in the latter years of the twentieth century is a topic that has been written on to levels of exhaustion. While the outward signs of this change are clearly visible, the process that brought it about has not been explored in detail. Behind Closed Doors is the first authoritative account of the tough negotiations between determined Irish governments and the EU to bring about a series of generous financial packages that have contributed to Ireland's economic and social progress over the last twenty years.
Drawing on previously unreleased State papers and the accounts of the senior Irish and Commission officials who were directly involved in the negotiations, the book presents new research that sheds light on the inner workings of the EU and Cohesion Policy.
This book is written as a contribution to the literature on European studies, especially in relation to cohesion policy. Published to coincide with the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, Behind Closed Doors is both a topical and timely addition.
Peter Brennan spent 22 years in Brussels as Ireland's Permanent Representation to the European Union and is a recognised expert in European Affairs. He now manages his own consultancy firm.
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