On the primacy of process: Brussels and Copenhagen

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p><jats:list list-type="bullet"> <jats:list-item> <jats:p>The author seeks to demonstrate that process rather than personalities are the key to understanding political situations and their public affairs implications. He reviews the outcome of changes in EU process during the tumultuous twelve months ending in December 2009, concluding that the European Union has moved into a new phase where constitutional issues are of substantially reduced importance. He notes the increased influence of the European Parliament. He comments on the implications for politics in both Europe and America in the light of the power shift made apparent at the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.</jats:p> </jats:list-item> </jats:list></jats:p>