Differentiated Europe Nine Recommendations

Abstract

Key Points More than ever before the EU requires different speeds, if the EU 27+ wants to remain effective. The creation of a new supranational Union – with an independent institutional structure and based on an independent primary law – is neither advisable nor realistic. Differentiated integration should be organized within the EU framework following the concept of functional-pragmatic differentiation, which does not adhere to a predefined master plan of Europe’s political finalité. Differentiation outside the EU should follow the concept of an Intergovernmental Avantgarde open to all EU countries and aiming to integrate the acquis adopted outside the EU into the Union at the soonest possible moment. Concepts aiming to affiliate neighbouring European countries beneath the level of a full membership – Association Plus, Partial Membership, Limited Membership – should not exclude the prospect of fully joining the EU club. A more differentiated Europe will require the elaboration of a comprehensible “narrative of differentiated Integration” and the setting up of an “informal differentiation board”.