Based in the Principality of Monaco, the European Small States Institute was established on 15 February, 2013 with a mission to facilitate cooperation between existing research entities that focus on the small states of Europe in order to promote advanced research on these countries.

To fulfill its mission, ESSI aims to forge mutually beneficial, collaborative links between research entities in European small states to develop and promote advanced research in the subject area, and to make this knowledge generally accessible to interested parties. In doing so, ESSI champions the values of engaged and committed dissemination of knowledge, wisely applied scholarship, and an insistence on excellence.

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. Monaco’s multiculturalism and exceptional location make it a perfect site for this activity; 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.

Biljana Kling