MOVING TOWARDS A TWO-SPEED EUROPE

Should countries which are ready to intensify the development of a common European policy in certain areas do so without having to wait for others or should they wait until all member states of the EU are ready ?

Member States thinking that countries should be able to act without having to wait for others include (according to a recent Euro-barometer survey): The Netherlands (69%), Denmark (64%), Slovenia (62%), Latvia (61%), Austria (61%), Slovakia (60%), Germany (59%), Czech Republic (58%), Belgium (58%), Finland (56%), Sweden (56%), France (54%), Estonia (51%), Luxembourg (50%).

Member States thinking that countries should wait until all member states of the EU are ready for this include: Greece (70%), Spain (63%), Portugal (60%), Ireland (52%), Cyprus (50%).

The notion of a "two-speed Europe" is not new. There have been various attempts in the past two decades to get such a concept going. Why should the countries of a continent as diverse as Europe—in terms of language, traditions and historical experience—move forward together in step? Is it entirely inconceivable that a group of nation states within the European Union might decide that they want to move over to the slow lane?

The two-speed Europe could be beneficial for its member states in some points. The European Union could move forward creating a stronger Union. It would benefit members supporting a deeper economic and political integration as they would have an opportunity to move forward with their policies.

The main argument for a two-speed Europe is that one size does not fit all. It is impossible to allocate all EU states into one policy framework as all the differences have to be considered. The economies of the member states do not move at the same speed nor do their economic policies. Thus, a two-speed Europe would be adaptable to member’s specific levels and interests. Finally, a two-speed Europe would provide flexibility on making decisions upon policies much quicker than it is at the moment where 28 members are struggling to find consensus and make decisions.

The idea of two-speed Europe would be beneficial for all its members. States that are willing deeper integration and with strong economies would be able to move forward by creating a strong Union. On the other hand, states like the UK or Denmark who are not willing to join the Eurozone, would be able to remain in the Union in the second group with less powers but still benefit from the single market