Small Countries in the EU: The Czech Republic Case

Abstract

This study analyses the behaviour of the Czech Republic as a small European Union (EU) member country. For the analysis the model of Baldur Thorhallsson was used, which for small EU countries assumes the presence of several characteristics - their good relationship with the European Commission (EC), prioritization of objectives and the flexibility of administration. The presence of these elements in Czech behaviour is analysed using data obtained from 10 interviews with Czech diplomats acting both in the Permanent Representation at the EU (PermRep) and at the capital or the European Commission. In conclusion, the study finds that although the Czech Republic fulfils the conditions for the behaviour of a small country, it cannot adequately balance the limits that arise from the given data. As an explanation for this discrepancy, we offer the low level of socialization of the Czech Republic in the EU and reluctance to accept the role of a small member state.