ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the ability of the analysed small EU member states to deal with the internal energy challenge that concerns their activity within the EU and its decision-making process, as well as within its bilateral relations with other member countries. Small states face several limitations connected to their size, which they try to overcome by developing different strategies that enable them to play an active role within the EU. This chapter studies how Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia pursue their energy-related goals at the EU level, how their representatives view their countries’ position within the EU decision-making mechanism, and how they try to make their voices heard. Czech decision-makers perceive their country in terms of limited ability when it comes to the internal challenge, the dominant Slovak perception is one of vulnerability, while Austrian representatives view their country as being able to deal with challenges within the EU as well (i.e. the perception of ability).
