This book investigates how the process of European integration has transformed the internal dynamics, ideological positioning, and electoral strategies of political parties across the continent. Dimitri Almeida, a scholar specializing in European politics, utilizes a comparative framework to analyze how different party families—ranging from social democrats to radical right movements—have navigated the shift from a 'permissive consensus' to an era of active politicization regarding the European project. By examining party manifestos and organizational behavior, the author argues that European integration is no longer a peripheral issue but a central driver of contemporary political cleavage.

Scholars and political analysts frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the shifting landscape of European party politics. Experts highlight the author's rigorous methodology in categorizing party responses, noting that it provides a necessary framework for interpreting the rise of populist movements in relation to EU policy.