The Europeanisation of Maltese interest groups : a comparative study after the first decade of EU membership

Abstract

The most recognisable and researched impact of Europeanisation is upon government structures, processes and policies. However the study of its effects on domestic interest groups is still in its infancy stage. This article addresses such a gap in academic literature by examining to what extent interest groups are being exposed and influenced by European values and style of governance. Furthermore it also seeks to identify the typology of the enablers of change that are at play. Essentially, the article adopts a comparative and empirical case study approach, making use of mixed methodology, to investigate the complexity of the core issue from the Maltese and Irish perspective, as two small island member states at the periphery of an integrated continent. Findings confirm that interest groups in Malta and the Republic of Ireland are undergoing through a process of domestic change due to Europeanisation, yet their gradual transformation is being marshalled by differing logics of change.