An Analysis Of The Strategy Of Small Countries' Participation In European Integration And Its Function

The participation of small states inregional integration has been a topic of concern in the small states studies of international relations.As a forerunner in the regional integration practice, the European Union has developed into a worldwide outstanding example on regional cooperation, boasting the highest degree of integration and the most noticeable accomplishments. This paper attempts to sort out the major activities of small states in the European integration after the second World War, unclosing the unique part the small states had played and its strategies, so as to make a more comprehensive understanding of European integration process.During the fledging period of Western Europe integration, The Union Economique Benelux played the role as a pioneer and balancer.On the one hand, it has firstly established sub-regional economic cooperation,generating a demonstration effect that has a galvalising impact on Western Europe economic cooperation.On the other, the Low Contries promoted to establish the Council of Ministers in the European Coal and Steel Community, so as to check the power of the High Authority.From the middle 1950 s to the early 1960 s, the political integration was in twists and turns.The power projection of small states as well as its flexible and practical diplomatic strategies have been fully demonstrated in the Fouchet Plan and the Luxembourg Compromise. The foundation of the European Union, the increase of its member states and the improvement of the EU operating institutions, all have contributed to the better use of small states’ institutionalizedpower,and enabled them to boost their status both in the EU and around the world and have a greater influence on the European integration. The rotating presidency of European Council is the main source of smll state power. In this paper, the 1999 Finland Presidency is selected as a typical example to analysie how a small member state can take advantage of the institution to move the integrating process into its own interests.