Success Factors in EU Agricultural Negotiations

Abstract:

Sweden is sometimes viewed as having been less successful than Denmark and Finland in EU agricultural negotiations. At the same time, studies have shown that Sweden is generally perceived as an attractive negotiation partner within the EU.

The authors of this report compare how well the Nordic states did in the latest round of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) negotiations (2011-13) and draw a number of conclusions.

For example, they find that it is important to nurture relations with key officials in the EU institutions; to prioritise so as to focus on aspects that are of special interest; and to be pragmatic. While Finland scores well in terms of being “realistic”, “flexible” and “pragmatic” – and Denmark tries to “bring home the bacon” – Sweden tend to adopt a more ideological approach and therefore holds on to principles for too long.