Gueldry analyzes the substantive transformations brought upon the French state by European integration through an incremental and cumulative process generally described as Europeanization. This restructuring is characterized by the erosion of traditional political and economic parameters, the emergence of new means and models of public action, and a general paradigmatic redefinition, including a search for renewed political legitimacy by French elite.

Covering the period from 1957 to the present, Gueldry examines how regional integration affects French governmental structures, public policies, political processes, and culture. He emphasizes the post-Single European Act (February 1986) period because of the accelerating momentum of the integration process after this milestone treaty. Students, scholars, and policy makers involved with EU history, institutions, and policies will be particularly interested in the work.