Differentiated Integration as a Trend of EU Future Development

- Presentation speakers
  - Nikolay Kaveshnikov, Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO-University)
Abstract:
The papers starts form analyzing the historical trends of differentiation in the EU, in particular 1) from case by case approach toward predefined mechanisms like enhanced cooperation and permanent structural cooperation; 2) delegation of decision-making to lower levels – from IGC decisions toward decisions of EU institutions; 3) increase of interaction between the avant-garde and the rear-guard and 4) externalization of differentiated integration beyond EU borders. Further, the paper gives the brief critical overview of existing classifications of various forms of differentiated integration with particular emphasis on the researches of S.A. Andersen, G. Grevi, L. Metcalfe, F. de La Serre, A. Stubb, N. Sitter, H. Wallace and A. Warleigh. On this basis the paper proposes another conceptual framework for classification based on two parameters: the scope of differentiation and the level of decision making. Finally the impact of differentiation on integration process is analyzed, comparing potential opportunities, restraints and options of EU development.