This handbook will guide you through the process of deciding whether you should do business in the European Union and what should you expect once you decide you will. It focuses on how E.U. competences or authorities affect the typical U.S. company, what regulatory issues are presented and specific procedures and practices of the European Union. Beginning with the sophisticated nature and structure of the European Union, this guide explains how E.U. institutions operate, and then summarizes key areas of law relevant to the business community. It is designed to prepare a lawyer or business executive for issues that they might encounter when they first move goods and services between the European Union and the United States. Detailed descriptions address each E.U. regulatory agency; the functions of E.U. authorities including customs union, internal markets and European Monetary Union; common policies, foreign and security policy, cooperative agreements, intergovernmental cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs. Addresses, phone and fax numbers, and useful e-mail addresses of important E.U. authorities and business related offices are added for easy reference. In this navigational guide you will find clear and easy-to-understand explanations on E.U. importing and exporting requirements and you will learn the basic operational differences between European Union and United States institutions.