Policy preferences across the EU member states are not homogeneous, on the contrary, enlargement has contributed to even larger distance among them . Consequently, it has become more difficult to reach negotiation agreement. Member states search for solutions to push their policy positions through. This results in increased tendency to search for allies during the preparatory phase of negotiations and to build coalitions in the Council negotiations in order to maximize the member states influence. Larger countries have more bargaining power in the EU Council negotiations, i.e.

For many ordinary people in Europe, the balance between giving and receiving, between debt and liability, responsibility and a place at the table no longer seems fair. Add to that the litany of criticism we have been hearing about for a long time: annoyance with so-called Brussels technocrats and their mania for regulation; complaints that decisions are not transparent enough; distrust of an impenetrably complex network of institutions; and, not least, resistance to the growing significance of the European Council.

The role Zagreb wants to play as a new member of the EU is still unclear. The Croatian elite has not yet begun to seriously discuss what the country wants to do in the Union. There are some ideas, but still poorly defined. Certainly, Croatia can provide Brussels with knowledge and advice on the Western Balkans, but the country refuses to claim the role of 'protector' of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the process of rapprochement.

If we are to re-engage people with politics, our democracy has to be participatory. It is about people participating and having the opportunity to influence various aspects of their lives. It is understandable that people are frustrated as society evolves and becomes more globalised and life becomes more complex (and harder for many), because it seems that voting at the ballot does not necessarily change circumstances significantly.

Insiders may be broken down into three types: Ultra Insiders, High Profile Insiders and Low Profile Insiders.

There are several key factors to consider. Firstly, the internal transparency of an organization is very important, and public policy advocates generally understand that. Secondly, the impact of the issues at hand on a Parliamentarian’s constituency  is very important. Thirdly, it is important to develop strong and enduring relationships with Parliamentarians and other policy-makers in getting one’s point across: becoming a trusted and reliable ‘insider’ is crucial. Fourthly, the overall aim of the organisation is slightly less important to than these other factors.

FARA is short for the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 33 U.S.C. § 611 et seq. and is under the U.S. Department of Justice.  The purpose of FARA is to insure that the U.S. Government and the people of the United States are informed of the source of information (propaganda) and the identity of persons attempting to influence U.S. public opinion, policy, and laws. FARA applies to foreign governments, foreign political parties, a person or organization outside the United States, except U.S.

Iceland is a northern island state with a population of 320,000 which means it is both small in terms of population and fairly isolated geographically. The banking crisis has raised some fundamental questions in Iceland about the integrity of its governing institutions and the concept of corruption as it should be understood in the Icelandic context. A recurring issue is that of the extensive personal and professional relationship networks that exist and therefore permeate the institutions of government and decision making.

Flexibility and openness are the characteristics and pervasive principles of Estonia's economic policy. Estonia is an e-country with a favourable business climate and cost advantages that is also open to growth. Successive governments have adhered to the principles of Estonia's economic success: a balanced state budget, liberal trade and investment laws, and joining the euro zone, which Estonia did in January 2011.

The Country Brand Index (CBI) provides a global study of country brands. It measures and ranks global perceptions around the world's nations from their culture, to their industries, to their economic vitality and public policy initiatives.