The addition of "Justice and Home Affairs" (JHA) to the list of subjects covered in Current Developments reflects the growing significance of this area of European law and policy within the overall Treaty framework. In this introductory note, a brief account is given of the history of co-operation between EU member States in JHA matters, culminating in the significant changes announced in the Treaty of Amsterdam in October 1997. It is a historical record which is marked by discontinuity and

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... itutional complexity, full justice to which would require detailed analysis. Here we confine ourselves instead to a broad-brush approach, seeking to highlight the main themes which have characterised JHA co-operation. In future notes particular areas and issues of current interest will be examined more closely.