In this contribution, we review our recent work on the extraction of the electromagnetic power from electrically small apertures by using metamaterial-inspired resonators. First, we present an antenna interpretation of the power transmission through sub-wavelength apertures and discuss the questioned concept of 'enhanced transmission'. Then, we present the so-called 'connected bi-omega particle' and the related analytical model. After that, exploiting proper numerical and experimental examples, we also show that the electromagnetic response of such a particle is not influenced by the surrounding environment. This unique property makes the particle a suitable candidate for the implementation of microwave components based on the selective power extraction from electrically small apertures. Finally, the application of the proposed concepts to the design of innovative microwave components, such as waveguide filters, diplexers, power-splitters, modal filters, horn antennas, etc. will be considered and demonstrated through proper numerical and experimental results. © 2012 IEEE.