This book investigates the political and institutional mechanisms that facilitated the historic 1991 Maastricht Treaty, which established the framework for the European Economic and Monetary Union. Kevin Featherstone and Kenneth Dyson, both established scholars in European politics, utilize a combination of archival research and political analysis to deconstruct the motivations of key European leaders. They argue that the agreement was not merely an economic necessity but a complex product of strategic institutional maneuvering and shifting national interests within the European Community.

Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the political origins of the Eurozone. Scholars often note the high level of academic rigor and the detailed primary source analysis provided by the authors.