Effective Lagrangian approach to vector mesons, their structure and decays∗)^{*)}

An improved update of the structure and decays of $\rho^0$, $\omega$ and $\phi$ mesons based on a chiral SU(3) Lagrangian, including anomaly terms is presented. We demonstrate that a consistent and quantitatively successful description of both pion and kaon electromagnetic form factors can be achieved. We also discuss the $e^+e^- \to \pi^+ \pi^0 \pi^-$ cross section, the Dalitz decay $\omega \to \pi^0 \mu^+ \mu^-$ and aspects of $\rho^0 \omega$ and $\omega \phi$ mixing. Relations to previous versions of the Vector Meson Dominance model will be examined.Comment: 35 pages, TeX, 14 ps figures, submitted to Z.Phys.