The European Challenge - Mark Blacksell|Allan M Williams

This textbook examines the impact of the EC on a number of different aspects of the geography and development of the various member states with a view to illustrating how the Community has influenced social and economic change at national level.;The 1986 Single European Act has fundamentally changed the way in which resources are viewed, utilized, and managed in Europe. The globalization of economic processes is increasingly being matched by a Europeanization of political decision-making. All this has to be set against a growing concern about the need to manage available resources effectively, both for production and consumption.;These concerns are addressed in this book under the headings of the Urban Condition, Structural Change, Rural Adaptation, and Environmental Response with an introduction which discusses the political evolution of the EC and the infrastructure for regional development and a conclusion which speculates about the future of the Community and Europe as a whole.;It was produced as a result of a collaboration in an EC ERASMUS teaching exchange programme involving fourteen geographers from eight European universities in seven countries. Each author writes from his or her own national perspective so the text provides a uniquely varied view of the late twentieth century geography of the EC countries. Although written in English, extensive summaries in five other languages make it accessible to non-English speakers.;This book is intended for 1st and 2nd year undergraduates. Perhaps even A-level students in geography courses related to development and impact of EC.