The book 'Small States and the EU', published by Routledge and edited by Prof. Lino Briguglio, was launched in Brussels at Dar Malta (the offices of the Maltese Permanent Representation to the EU).

The event, which took place on 15 November, 2016, was presided by the Hon. Ian Borg, Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds and 2017 Presidency. The Hon. Borg stated that Malta is well prepared for the presidency and commented that although Malta is a small state, it will rise to the occasion in its presidency role.

Following Dr Ian Borg’s introduction, Prof. Lino Briguglio delivered a presentation on the small states of the EU, namely those with a population of about 3 million or less, and comprise Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta and Slovenia. Prof. Briguglio said that these small states are highly dependent on exports, due to their small domestic markets. They face a number of disadvantages, including their limited ability to reap the benefits of economies of scale, and, due to their high dependence on exports, are also highly exposed to external shocks. In spite of these disadvantages, these states are doing relatively well economically, and they face good prospects in this regard. The attitude of the people in most of these small states is very pro-EU.

Prof. Briguglio concluded by stating that basing on the realities of the small states of the EU, these states can overcome the downsides of small economic size, by adopting policies that lead to good economic governance.