ABSTRACT
This chapter presents theoretical explanations for the observed variation in the frequency to which the small European Union (EU) member-states use shaping and capacity-building strategies, as well as for the observed variation on the policy-country level and between strategies. In EU negotiations, all states, especially the small member states, face financial constraints. Personnel in the Permanent Representations, attachs, experts and translators in the ministries back home, developing and offering EU-training courses, as well as buying in additional external expertise and flying experts and delegations back and forth from Brussels to the capital for coordination and briefing meetings, requires significant financial resources and is all incredibly costly. The EU multi-level system is complex and demanding particularly for new member states. Considerations on the appropriateness of EU legislative competencies as well as on the potential gains from European policy-making, can influence the motivation of governments, diplomats and civil servants to actively engage in EU negotiations.
