The acceleration of differentiated integration and enhanced cooperation

The April 2014 issue of Studia Diplomatica shows the transformation in the way the European Union has considered the subject of differentiated integration since the 1950's.

Until the mid-80's, European integration was characterised by a 'unity dogma'. All Member States were supposed to apply the same policies, at the same speed. The concepts of 'Europe à la carte', 'variable geometry' and 'different speeds' were put in the same basket. No derogation was possible, unless justified, limited and temporary. During the following 30 years however, since the mid 80's, heterogeneity between members has grown formidably. Differentiation thus became unavoidable to allow those able and willing, to go further. I will go briefly over these two 30 year periods, and then turn to the future, and try to imagine where the EU could be heading.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Brexit or not? Time for the EU to move http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-or-not-time-for-the-eu-to-move/

ESO: Background information: Multi-speed Europe? Differentiated integration in the external relations of the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/multi-speed-europe-differentiated-integration-in-the-external-relations-of-the-european-union/

ESO: Background information: Differentiated Integration in the EU - From the inside looking out http://www.europeansources.info/record/differentiated-integration-in-the-eu-from-the-inside-looking-out/

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