Opportunities and challenges for small states' influence in the European Union's policy-making process : a case study of Malta and the working time directive

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to assess the degree of influence which small states can put directly and/or indirectly on the policy making process of the European Union despite having several disadvantages such as small administrations, limited financial resources and a small voting weight in the Council, amongst others. This research analysis of Malta and its influence on the Working Time Directive during its negotiations of 2004-2009. Four independent variables being the the administrative capacity, small states' relations with the Commission, the Presidency and the Council of Ministers and coalition building will he the bases on which this research will focus. These variables will help to explain the channels small states use to try to effectively influence the policy-making process. The EU institutions are very important as channels for influence in the EU's policy-making process. coalition building was; a very important negotiation tactic in this dissertation since Malta used it during the Working Time Directive negotiations in order to influence the policy outcome. During these negotiations first there was no agreement between the States in the Council and after a compromise was sought, the Council and the European Parliament could not reach an agreement. This disagreement kept the new proposed Directive from being put in force and this is what Malta wanted. Without a strong coalition in the Council, Malta would have not been able change the outcome of the policy decision because of its structural disadvantages.