The Europeanisation of interest groups in Malta

Abstract

Europeanisation is a complex process which aims to assess the domestic change caused by EU membership. This study will tackle the Europeanisation of interest groups. Thus, it will underline how interest groups have changed as well as adapted to EU pressures, using Malta as a case study. The first Chapter will define what interest groups are and the way they operate as well as target the EU level. Chapter Two shall tackle the Europeanisation of interest groups, whilst in Chapter Three Malta shall be taken as a case study, thus the effects of EU membership on two Maltese interest groups shall be examined. Finally, the study shall provide personal conclusions highlighting the importance interest groups may play in the EU process, the challenges they face as well as tentative solutions to a better future.