Was a Treat of Nice a step too far down the slipperyslope to s federal Europe? Or was it on the contrarya successful intergovernmental conference that opened the door for reunifying the continent, in an enlarged EU of twenty-five or more states? This book comprehenisively analyses the Treaty, not just the specific meaning of the Articles but the broader context in whci they are situated. It brings together contributions from the Commision, the existing members as well as from leading academics and politicians in the thick of the fray. It offers historical, political and legal assessement of the Treaty and outrlines the essential contours of the debate around the declaration of Laeken on the future of Europe. "The Treaty of Nice Exoplained" is essential reading for anyone concerned about the European Union, and for anyone wishing to participate in this the most crucial phase of the EU's development, the debate on the future of the Union. This book comprehenisively analyses the Treaty, not just the specific meaning of the Articles but the broader context in whci they are situated. It brings together contributions from the Commision, the existing members as well as from leading academics and politicians in the thick of the fray. It offers historical, political and legal assessement of the Treaty and outrlines the essential contours of the debate around the declaration of Laeken on the future of Europe