More than ever before, the European Union (EU) requires various speeds. The growing diversity of interests and the increasing economic, financial, social and geopolitical heterogeneity among EU countries, diverging political objectives and expectations concerning the future path of integration in an EU 27+, and the need to respond to the pressure form third countries aiming to join the European club, while enlargement fatigue is widespread, call for a higher degree of differentiated integration.
Differentiation is no magic potion and it should not be an end in itself.
Nevertheless, a more differentiated Europe will be a necessity, if the EU 27+ wants to remain effective. Citizens expect the EU to provide state-like services in areas as diverse as justice and home affairs, foreign, security, defence, tax, environmental, economic or social policy. However, not all member states or potential EU countries can or may wish to provide such services on the European level at the same time and with the same intensity. As was the case in the past with the common currency, the Schengen accords, social policy, or more recently with the Treaty of Prüm, intensified cooperation among a smaller group of countries or the fact that the EU’s acquis does not apply equally in all participating states can help to overcome a situation of stalemate and improve the way in which the European Union functions. In addition, differentiated integration can also limit tensions between the members of a more heterogeneous EU. The countries wishing to further deepen cooperation are allowed to do so and those who are not willing or able to further integrate are relieved from the pressure of the more integrationist member states. The EU 27 is already today characterized by different levels of cooperation and integration. Some members have introduced the euro others not, some attempt to develop the Union as an Area of Freedom, Security and Justice
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