Small states in the European Union: structural disadvantages in EU policy-making and counter-strategies

Abstract: Small states face disadvantages in shaping European policies owing to their limited bargaining power and constrained financial resources necessary for building up policy expertise and exerting influence via arguing. Nevertheless, small states can apply a variety of strategies to counterbalance size-related difficulties. Although such activity is an important precondition for success in negotiations, this article shows that some small states are considerably more active in using counter-balancing strategies than others. To explain this, the article tests hypotheses on learning, co-ordination mechanisms and legitimacy. It shows that small states are most active in negotiations if they have non-interrupted administrative work environments, motivated staff, balanced systems for the development of national positions, and have experienced a learning curve through long membership durations and through holding the office of the Presidency. By contrast, differences in specific or diffuse support of European integration do not influence activity levels.