Differentiated integration in times of crises and conflict

Differentiated integration (DI) has become a crucial feature of the European Union (EU) triggered by the combination of the deepening of the integration process and its enlargement. DI involves particular member states being temporarily exempt or excluded from certain EU laws and policies, or seeking an opt-out in the context of a treaty revision. It also refers to non-members opting into specific policies, not least the Single Market. This section is interested in the potential of DI to deal with conflict and crisis. Some may argue that in times of conflict and crisis, more flexibility is needed in order to adapt to quickly emerging situations. Others may hold that in such times, unity and certainty are required to overcome related challenges or else the EU risks disintegration. The recent past is full of crises and challenges (Brexit, rule of law crisis, COVID-19, Ukraine and Balkan states’ membership of the EU), and in each of them, DI has played a role or continues to play a role.