Spain as an actor in European and international climate policy: From a passive to an active Laggard?

Based on an analysis of the role of Spain in European and international negotiations on climate change, the article argues that Spain is no longer a mere passive and reluctant 'taker' of European Union environmental policy. Rather, it is developing a more active role in the defence of its (perceived) national interests. In addition, the article maintains that the process of Europeanization is not necessarily promoting convergence between Spanish and European policies, but may have even militated against it. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.