Scandinavia and Switzerland: Small, Successful and Stubborn towards the EU

In: Journal of European public policy, Band 9, Heft 4, S. 529-549

Abstract

Economic theory of integration expects small states & highly industrialized states to be more likely to integrate than larger or less advanced countries. Why then, did Norway, Sweden, & Switzerland choose for a long time not to join the EU? Existing political economy approaches cannot fully explain this stubbornness because they neglect the "hidden" impact of national identities. Constructivist approaches, in turn, offer insights on identity-related variables but fail to assess tangible benefits. This article argues that economic incentives for EU membership coexist with & are often dominated by domestic & geohistorical constraints. Hence, both material interests & ideational factors are necessary to explain reluctant integration policies. 2 Tables, 60 References. Adapted from the source document.