What is it that threatens competitiveness and produces obstacles to providing a vibrant business landscape in the European Union? This book, offers insight into the particular nature of the European cocktail of business and politics, explaining how that bears on trade and relations between continental Europe and the UK, the US, Russia and Asia. 'With its mix of rigorously researched background and forthright argument, this timely book will satisfy those academics with an interest in the isues addressed and will also serve as a planning tool for business leaders and government executives trying to determine what they can do at enterprise level. The challenge is to survive and prosper in an environment where "business is politics."' - Christos Ladias, SEEJE (South-Eastern Europe Journal of Economics)