An Analysis of EU-Malta Relations
(Fields: International Relations, EU Enlargement, Euro-Mediterranean relations, 'small state' approach, foreign policy)

In 1990 Malta applied to join the European Union and is currently negotiating its accession. Due to its geographic proximity to the European Union and its strong economic, cultural and historic links to Europe, relations with the EU have always played an important role in Maltaís search for security viewed in its broader meaning. The Mediterranean region to which Malta belongs has also exercised an enormous influence on Maltaís policy choices. The analysis in this book is carried out from a Maltese perspective, using a small state approach, which does not however neglect developments in the EU itself, in the Mediterranean region and in the wider international context. Attention is also focused on Maltaís relations with its neighbouring countries and how these impinge upon its policies towards the EU. The historical account of developments begins in the late 1950s and early 1960s when the issue of EU-Malta relations first entered the Maltese political debate mainly as a result of the UKís membership application. A substantive part of the book then dwells on the main political and economic ramifications of Maltaís prospective membership of the EU or alternatively of other links short of membership. The domestic political debate and the main internal and bureaucratic pressures that have influenced relations with the EU throughout this period are also discussed. EU-Malta relations also present sufficient material for the discussion of other issues relevant to small states seeking EU membership. One of these concerns the identity of the EU itself. Within the ambit of this discussion a further question is posed as to whether there is an ë optimalí EU institutional structure that allows small states the freedom to integrate while concurrently maintaining a strong measure of their freedom of action as nation-states. This discussion is also relevant in the context of "The Future of Europe Debate" currently going on in the EU and the applicant countries.

This book, published by Midsea Books Ltd, is the first analysis of EU-Malta relations spanning four decades and which throws more light both on the current state of play in these relations as well as in the domestic politics associated with them. It makes essential reading for students of European Studies but also for the more discerning general reader, the political class, leaders within public administration and the social partners, businessmen and the professions.

Technical Specifications:
Extent: 584 pages; Trim Size: 135 x 205 mm
ISBN 99909-93-87-4  (Hardbound) Price: Lm15
Pre-Publication Price: Lm12
ISBN 99909-93-88-2 (Paperback) Price: Lm12
Pre-Publication Price: Lm10
(Lm1 = 2.4 Euros)

Launch Date: 15 November 2001

Enquiries:
Midsea Books Ltd
Carmelites Street, Sta Venera HMR 11, Malta
Tel: (0356) 2149 7046, Fax: (0356) 2149 6904
Email: kkm@vol.net.mt
www.booksaboutmalta.com

About the author
Roderick Pace, lectures International Relations and European Studies and is Director of the European Documentation and Research Centre of the University of Malta. He has studied International Relations and European Studies at the Bologna Center of the Johns Hopkins University from where he was awarded an MA in International Affairs and at the University of Reading where he was awarded the Ph.D. The writer has been the Chairman of the European Movement (Malta) since 1997. !-- END of BODY -->