ABSTRACT
The research has analysed whether the special characteristics of smaller states, strong corporatism and concentrated economic interests, according to Katzenstein, impact upon their approach in the decision~making process of the EU in the areas of the CAP and the Regional Policy. The empirical evidence established in this research supports the main hypothesis. The behaviour of smaller states can be distinguished from the behaviour of the larger states. Smaller states have a different approach towards the Commission and their negotiating tactics differ from the negotiating tactics of the larger states in the Council of Ministers, the European Council and in bilateral negotiations with the Commission.
