Introduction

This chapter introduces the key theoretical, conceptual and empirical aspects of the book. It begins with the sketch of the study of European integration, and how it has evolved. It is followed by the reflection on the key determinants of research originality. Subsequently, the chapter develops the case for adopting the so-called non-additive heuristics in European Studies, which are ways of designing research different from adding to existing literature. As the chapter demonstrates, there are already good examples of non-additive heuristics in European Studies research, and they are typically the kinds of research, which push the boundaries of the field.