PESCO and the different types of differentiated integration

The aim of this paper is to analyse the different types of differentiated integration and to map the geopolitical will of two well identified groups of EU member states in Southern Europe (Med7 and Med9) and in East Central Europe (V4 countries) under the umbrella of the PESCO. In the literature there are several different terms to describe DI. Among others we can mention the concepts of core Europe, à la carte Europe or two-or-multi-speed Europe, enhanced cooperation or variable geometric integration. Although these terms are sometimes used as synonyms, they describe the different forms of DI. This study is focusing on two case studies of regional groupings of countries within the EU. The research question is how the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) can support differentiated integration in the two sub-regional forms of cooperation and what kind of differentiated integration is realised. This study does not examine the effectiveness of PESCO, but only the statistical data regarding memberships and leading positions of Member States. The research is based on official statements and publications about the Member States’ collaboration, EU documents, data published on the PESCO website in 2024.