The impact of EU foreign policy on small member states : analysing the case of Malta and Cyprus

Abstract

This dissertation was inspired by the limited research existing in the field in spite of the fact that both Malta and Cyprus have been Member States of the European Union (EU) for the past twelve years. This work has, in fact, been undertaken to address this gap in literature, with the aim being that of analysing the impact of EU foreign policy on the national foreign policy of Malta and Cyprus. This analysis commences with a historical overview of Malta and Cyprus’ foreign policy and a special focus on their relations with the EU. This is followed by two case studies which aim at presenting a comprehensive and comparative analysis on the impact of EU Membership, particularly with respect to EU foreign policy sensu lato, national foreign policy institutions and procedures and foreign policy substance. The first case study relates to Malta and Cyprus’ accession to the EU, with the analysis focusing on the impact of the transposition and implementation of the acquis communautaire on national foreign policy. The second case study analyses the impact of EU membership on Malta and Cyprus post-2004. In order to ensure a comprehensive analysis, this case study employs a sector-specific approach, featuring the two most important foreign policy priorities for Malta and Cyprus: Irregular Migration for Malta and the Cyprus Problem respectively. The analysis conducted in the case studies is carried out in light of the over-arching concept of Europeanization. The latter theory assists in presenting a framework on the impact of EU foreign policy on the national foreign policy of Malta and Cyprus, doing so via three main processes: Adaptation and Policy Convergence, National Projection and Identity Reconstruction. The case studies outline several examples of interaction within the context of EU foreign policy and how the three processes of Europeanization have diversely affected, or been utilised by, Malta and Cyprus. With this having been said, the same analysis also reveals that national foreign interests and preferences remain the primary focus of these EU Member States. The conclusions of this research aim to offer the reader a comprehensive framework of analysis on the influence and potential of small EU Member States participating in EU foreign policy.