Will Spain remain a small country?

Spain punches below its weight in EU policy-making. Since Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero became prime minister, five years ago, Spanish influence in the EU has diminished. In this briefing note, Charles Grant asks whether Spain's recent entry into the G20 summits, the election of Barack Obama and the forthcoming Spanish presidency of the EU are likely to strengthen its role. But he concludes that Spain is unlikely to match the influence of Britain, France or Germany.