This publication is a follow-up to the book 1973-2013: 40 years of history of the European Trade Union Confederation. It looks more closely at how different trade union models in different European countries, traditions and cultures have come together within this organisation. As in the first volume, the contributors take a historical perspective, highlighting the determinants, developments and legacies of the relationship that the union confederations have had with the European integration process over a forty- plus year period. The authors examine the dynamic relationship between the Brussels-based ETUC and its member organisations in ten different EU countries, within the context of the highs and lows of the European integration project. The book examines the possible influence of the ETUC upon these organisations in their home countries, via the unions’ international or European departments or through the feedback effects of debates at both the European and national levels.

Foreword Introduction : The ETUC, national unions and European society: a multilevel history Chapter 1 : Flexible adaptation between political, social and economic interests: the multi-faceted Europeanisation of German trade unions Chapter 2 : Europe and the divisions of French trade unionism: a growing awareness Chapter 3 : Italian trade unionism and the ETUC: in favour of a European social actor Chapter 4 : British trade unions and the ETUC Chapter 5 : The Belgian trade union organisations: national divisions and common European action Chapter 6 : Iberian trade unions and the ETUC: from the periphery to the centre Chapter 7 : Swedish trade unions and the ETUC Chapter 8 : Norwegian trade unions and the ETUC: a changing relationship Chapter 9: Polish pathways to the European Trade Union Confederation Conclusion Author biographies