"Trade policies of the European Union have not followed the simple script of free trade. In some sectors, protection has been granted, in others, far-reaching liberalisation has occured. In the European Union, a politics of freer trade has developed over the decades, a very particular phenomenon not found in single nation-states around the globe.

Deep-seated commitments of governments to the social purposes of the welfare state have played a considerable role in the shaping of national and Community trade policy preferences." "Institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the capacity of the European Union to cope with societal and diplomatic pressures in future are suggested. Multilateral policies for free trade in the world economy are in the best political and economic interest of the European Union itself."--BOOK JACKET.