Louise Van Schaik is Reseach Fellow, Clingendael European Studies Programme, Clingendael Institute, Netherlands.

• 1. Introduction 2. Comparing Three Sets of Multilateral Negotiations 3. The EU's Effectiveness in International Negotiations 4. EU Competence: a Precondition for EU Unity? 5. EU Preferences and Socialisation: the Willingness of EU Member States to Unite in International Negotiations 6. The EU Negotiating Food Safety Standards 7. The EU Negotiating Climate Change 8. The EU, a Healthy Negotiator? 9. A Comparative Analysis 10. Conclusions and Relevance for Institutional Reform Debate References List of Acronyms Annex A - Questionnaire that was used for the (semi-structured) Interviews Endnotes

'This critical and comparative analysis of the EU's effectiveness in multilateral negotiations lifts the veil on a little researched dimension of EU external action. The originality of the topic and the rich empirical material make this volume an excellent read for any scholar and student with an interest in the EU's evolving role as an international player.' Sophie Vanhoonacker, Chair in Administrative Governance, Maastricht University, The Netherlands 'This stimulating book constitutes a major contribution to the literature on EU external policy. Written in an engaging manner, van Schaik provides a conceptually innovative account that is probed and illustrated through three relevant and very competently researched case studies. The study generates important new insights into the role of the EU as an international actor.' Arne Niemann, Professor of International Politics and Jean Monnet Chair, the University of Mainz, Germany 'This is a highly original combination of conceptual clarity and empirical complexity. The author's insightful conclusions on the EU's unity and effectiveness in international food standards, climate change and public health policies will be of crucial importance for any scholarly and policy-relevant assessment of the EU's role in the world.' Jan Orbie, Co-Director of the Centre for EU Studies, Ghent University, Belgium