Multi-speed Europe

The idea of a „Multi-speed Europe” is not new in the discussion on the development of the EU; in fact it has been used over time in different contexts. All forms of this idea – „core Europe” or „Europe à la carte”, the „variable geometry” model and the „concentric-circles” concept are based on the same complex of problems: an increasing variety of interests, a complicated decision- making process and varying expectations concerning the future integration in an EU with 27 members all make a higher degree of differentiated or flexible integration necessary or desirable. This publication discusses the central policy areas which are already based on a differentiated integration approach. The contributions are based on talks which were held at the 4th network europe conference in Chisinau/Moldova, 20th–23rd of September, organised by the EIZ