European Commission's Plans for Multi-speed EU
Beata Płomecka, Ewa Stankiewicz and Joachim Ciecierski, Euranet / Polskie Radio, 06.03.2017
Quotes
The debate in the European Parliament showed the differences in opinion on the future of the EU. Undoubtedly, there is pressure for changes and the supporters of the division of the EU are growing in strength and gaining momentum; however, it is unknown in which direction member states will head.
It is too early for definitive opinions, we have to wait for specific details, said Janis Emmanouilidis from European Policy Centre. [...]
Saying that you want a multi-speed Europe does not say much because you have to define exactly what that means. If you speak about creating or using mechanisms which are available in the EU treaties, for example, with the spectre of further differentiation in the area of security and defence Permanent Structured Cooperation using that instrument does not mean that you create a two-speed Europe, but that you create different speeds in the area of security and defence,
If the Eurozone countries, which already are probably the inner core, decide to further deepen their cooperation, that would increase the distance between euro and non-euro countries. Emmanouilidis said.
A real debate on the future of the EU will, however, begin at the EU summit in Rome. Afterwards the member states will have to take a position. It is expected that the decision of the future functioning of the community will be made in December.
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