Programs

ESSI aims to forge mutually beneficial, collaborative links between research entities.

Programs

REALIZING THE POTENTIAL

“The World Bank reports that more than a quarter of its members are countries with a population under 2 million.”

These “small states” vary greatly in their level of development and the size of their economies; many are vulnerable to economic shocks and income volatility, limited capacity, and difficulty in accessing external capital. These factors can severely impact a government’s finances in such situations, limiting a country’s ability to build cushions for development programs and future needs.

Nonetheless, this group boasts some notable achievements, particularly in Europe. The Principality of Monaco has long exemplified how living in a small country with a small population need not inhibit a nation’s desire to achieve. Iceland established the oldest extant parliamentary institution in the world (the Althing) in 930 and was the first country to have a political party formed and led entirely by women. The Republic of Malta possesses nine

UNESCO World Heritage Sites among which the Megalithic Temples are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world. The Republic of Macedonia has moved toward political and economic reform while managing to preserve ethnic uniqueness under a unifying national identity. There are many other examples.

Yet this does not exempt small states from sharing a common and ongoing set of challenges: Addressing geographic constraints, easing pressure on economic mainstays to perform, and absorbing the impact of the increasingly complex needs of their populations on existing “ways of seeing and doing.” This situation presents possibilities for very productive synergies – particularly in Europe.

Mindful of this context, ESSI has been formed to further advanced research on the issues that concern the small states of Europe and thus to realize the potential in the European small state contribution.

COLLABORATIVE LINKS

ESSI aims to forge mutually beneficial, collaborative links between research entities in these countries to aid in developing and promoting advanced research in the subject area, and to make this knowledge generally accessible to interested parties.

ESSI is an independent entity embodying and amplifying an expansive world view. Through funded research and open debate ESSI seeks to achieve its vision and mission through a range of research activities, and publicly-accessible conferences and other events. ESSI integrates interests in three areas – applied management and corporate development, government and public policy, and cultural affairs – by utilizing European small state examples to extrapolate to related settings.

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The idea for ESSI grew from a desire to showcase the potential in the uniqueness of European small states.

Monaco’s Multiculturalism

Monaco’s multiculturalism and exceptional location make it a perfect site for ESSI; the Principality remains a place in which democracy in all its forms, social responsibility, and aspirations for a peaceful world continue to flourish. Many other European small states are committed to the same ideals as they build capacity in their government and private sectors. ESSI is proud to act as the link between these dynamic countries as they strive to inspire others and enhance their global presence.

ESSI is committed to edifying its constituent populations, to providing a forum for free and open debate, and to reflecting national values.

ESSI seeks to create more sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible societies in small countries in Europe and worldwide.

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Programs

Programs

REALIZING THE POTENTIAL

COLLABORATIVE LINKS

Monaco’s Multiculturalism

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