Europe and its new role in the world economy

Europe has changed in both its internal structure and its position in the world economy. The deepening of the European Union through the process of economic and monetary union, and the widening of the European Union through the accession of new member states has raised new challenges. The way in which economic, political and social integration will develop is still, in important respects, an open question. Furthermore, Europe will have to come to terms with finding a place in a world that is, economically and politically, increasingly multi-polar. Research will therefore address both the diverse dimensions of Europe’s internal developments and the problems and perspectives for Europe and the European Union’s role in the world at large.