Macron proposes multi-speed EU to integrate new members
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the European Union to reform into a "multi-speed" union in order to integrate Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans, as reported by Politico.
In a speech to French ambassadors on Monday, Macron said that the EU must reform if it wants to expand to new nations and must build consensus with over 30 member states.
"The risk is to believe that we can expand without reform," Macron said. "It is already quite difficult for Europe to move forward on sensitive issues with 27 members. With 32 or 35 members, it will not be easier. We will need boldness, to accept more integration in some areas and perhaps even a Europe with multiple speeds," he said.
Macron did not explain how this multi-speed Europe would work, but he added that a review of EU procedures is necessary for the bloc to deepen and maintain its "attractiveness."
According to several French officials, Macron's government is working on several proposals "for a multi-speed Europe" that would include the creation of informal groups of member states to work on specific policy areas.
Macron also suggested that he will detail his ideas about EU expansion and reform in the coming months.
Moldova and Ukraine were granted candidate status to the EU in June 2022, and several voices are calling for the EU to open accession negotiations by December.
