Histoire de la construction européenne

Sixty years from the Congress of Europe is a good enough cause to take a long view of European integration. Reflection is needed as much as celebration.

Marie-Thérèse Bitsch has written a book, which should be translated into every European language and read by each citizen. The new pocket edition of her « Histoire de la construction européenne de 1945 à nos jours » manages to take the reader through the main developments from the end of World War II to the great enlargement of the European Union in 2004.

The 401 pages are not confined to the European Union and its predecessors, but include the other manifestations of European integration, such as the OECE (OECD), the Council of Europe, the defence alliances and the CSCE (OSCE).

The book is not only a good read, but it is detailed enough to serve as an introductory source for serious students who want to explore certain developments.


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Marie-Thérèse Bitsch: Histoire de la construction européenne de 1945 à nos jours ; Nouvelle édition mise à jour (Editions Complexe, 2008 ; 11,90 €)


Ralf Grahn