How do factors such as small size, insularity, vulnerability and remoteness influence a small state's behaviour in international relations? What are the major problems and events shaping Malta-EU relations? How can Malta's position in the EU be described? In which way can this small island state defend and enforce its own interests in such a dominant regional organisation in which all members, varying in size and power, try to protect and press ahead their specific aims? This thesis is an attempt to answer these questions and to provide a basis for further discussions and elaboration.