The impact of EU membership on small state foreign policy : the case of Malta

Abstract

Understanding the foreign policy conduct of EU small states has proved both appealing and complicated. Studies of this nexus found that each country generates a different outcome based on the specific features of the country itself. The main purpose behind this study is to examine Malta's foreign policy conduct during the past six years of EU membership. Indeed, this study attempts to determine the impact EU membership has had on the foreign policy of Malta, as the smallest country within the Union. To determine these conclusions this study first visits the fundamental changes and patterns Malta's foreign policy underwent in the past forty years or so since Independence. The basic assumption of this study is that the two major foreign policy goals of small states are security and empowerment. Hence, this study embarks on an analysis of this dual role within small states foreign policy. This work examines relevant theories and later through the case of Malta evaluates foreign relations including the security challenges on the foreign policy agenda. One learns that one of the fundamental aims of small state foreign policy is directed towards gaining a strong position in the international community through institutional membership and active participation. This in tum helps small states strengthen their foreign policy. Apart from the benefits, this dissertation explores how through this policy small states tend to rely on the support of the organizations to which they belong.