Big EU states gaining power despite enlargement

Despite recent enlargement, the biggest EU states - France, the UK and Germany - have increased their power over EU decision-making, a Swedish study suggests. But Italy is punching below its weight, while sheer charisma helps some small EU countries boost their influence.

The overcrowded negotiating table in the European Council - EU leaders' meetings which normally take place four times a year - has made the bloc's big players more eager to pool their powers in coalitions and bilatera...