Despite enlargement of the European Union, the influence of Britain, France, and Germany over the bloc's decision-making has grownDespite recent enlargement, the biggest EU states - France, the UK and Germany - have increased their power over EU decision-making, a Swedish study suggests. But Italy is punching below its weight, while sheer charisma helps some small EU countries boost their influence.
The overcrowded negotiating table in the European Council - EU leaders' meetings which normally take place four times a year - has made the bloc's big players more eager to pool their powers in coalitions and bilateral agreements where size really matters, the report "Bargaining power in the European Council" says.
The study by Jonas Tallberg, professor of political science at Stockholm University, was launched in Brussels earlier this week, featuring interviews with past and present European Council participants - prime ministers and presidents - as well as European Commissioners, foreign ministers and national ambassadors in the EU.
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