Small States in the European Union: Tactics of Pursuing National Interests in the Council of the EU

The research on small states calls attention to the fact that these states are usually unable to push through their national interests and needs on the international scene although their number far outweighs the bigger countries. At the same time, it shows that small states can partially eliminate their inability through regional connections and membership in international organisations. Such activities are becoming increasingly evident also in the European Union. Therefore, the text observes tactics that small states use to push through their national interests in decision-making. It focuses on the Council of the European Union as it represents the main decision-making body. The text also reveals capacity and voting limits that small states are faced with in the Council of the EU. At the same time, it explores strategies that help small states eliminate these disadvantages and strengthen the role of small states in decision-making processes in the Council of the EU.