A common argument against flexible integration as a solution to increased preference heterogeneity is that a likely consequence
for those member states opting out of the enhanced cooperation is a loss of status and influence generally in the European
Union (EU). It has been argued, for example, that the decisions by Denmark, Sweden and the UK not to join the Euro is considered
to be free-riding, which leads to a bad reputation and exclusion from informal networks. We test this proposed free-rider
effect by comparing the network capital of Euro-outsiders with insiders in the Council of the EU, using survey data of more
than 600 member state representatives. The findings speak strongly against the free-rider hypothesis, as the Euro-outsiders
are highly ranked in terms of network capital.
Cached
