Towards a two-gear Europe?

The European Union might switch to a two-gear format soon.

Roxana Vasile, 01.03.2017, 12:49

Brussels is considering a two-gear European Union, or better said, a differentiated one. In plain terms, it might be possible for some member states to develop faster, without imposing its growth pace on the other member states. A signal that things could move in that direction was launched by French President Francois Hollande, who said the leaders of Germany, Italy and Spain would join him in Versailles on March 6 to discuss the future of the Union. Quoted by euractiv.com, Hollande said “it’s not about deciding only the four of us what Europe should be. We are, however, four important countries and it is up to us to decide what we want to do together with the others”.

According to the Adevarul daily paper, due to the delicate regional and global context, Europe is already a two-speed structure, comprising first-rate, second-rate and even third-rate countries, some members of the Eurozone, others not, some in the Schengen Area, others, including Romania, still struggling to obtain membership. Despite our eastern neighbours, Adevarul writes, Romania made little efforts to advance at community level, seeing its EU and NATO membership as a substitute for foreign policy and diplomatic action. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday is expected to unveil his vision on the EU after Brexit.

In this context, Social-Democrat MEP Victor Bostinaru has called on President Klaus Iohannis to hold a debate with Romanian MEPs and MPs on the concept of a two-gear Europe, which he believes might deepen the gap between the so-called “core” European nations and the other member states. Even though President Iohannis has constitutional attributions in this respect, it’s not normal for him to show up in Brussels and decide on the matter by himself, MEP Renate Weber from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats also believes.

In turn, Liberal MEP Adina Valean says a multi-speed Europe could create tension within the EU, which right now should be more united and coherent and able to give a consistent response to current threats and challenges. Independent MEP Monica Macovei also believes the EU needs to reform itself. In her opinion, more transparency is needed and money should be spent rigorously but at no rate can the EU switch to a two-gear format. Last autumn in Bucharest, a special presidential committee was set up, charged with drawing up a national strategy which, according to the President, would be ready within a year.

(Translated by Vlad Palcu)