How Do Little Frogs Fly? Small States in the European Union

Abstract:

Small EU member states need to exploit the special characteristics of their small public administrations in order to secure their interests and have influence within the Union. They must develop an administrative competence based on features like informality, flexibility, and the autonomy of officials operating according to guidelines rather than fixed negotiating instructions. They also need to acknowledge their limitations and set priorities to a much greater extent than the large states.
A strategy based on these features, combined with a positive image and political willingness, can bring negotiating success within the EU’s decision-making processes.