During its comparatively short life as a set of institutions, the European Union (EU) has experienced rapid growth in size, remit and policy competence. In addition, the resulting analytical and factual literature has more than matched this growth. As Roger Levy notes, ’[a] visit to the institutions of the EU now requires a travel itinerary on the scale of the cultural tour once favoured by the aristocracy.'This valuable and detailed study provides, for the first time, a systematic empirical analysis of EU programme management in all of the main spending areas over a 20 year period. After setting out the management framework in each area, Roger Levy looks methodically at audit evidence to build up a comprehensive performance profile. The management of EU spending programmes is subject to almost continual media speculation about its propriety and efficiency. The unprecedented resignation of the Santer Commission en masse in March 1999 was a direct result of its management failures. Using up-to-date, original data, this valuable book provides an empirical antidote to much of the speculation which dominates this issue.

This accessible analysis of the vast data available on this contentious area will prove invaluable reference to anyone studying the European Union, as well as European and national government officials, research organisations and pressure groups.