Zile: Juncker backs "multi-speed" Europe

RIGA - When it comes to deciding the European Union’s (EU) future, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will probably support a "multi-speed" Europe, European Parliament member Roberts Zile (National Alliance) said on Latvian Television this morning.

He indicated that at this point it is essential for the EU to demonstrate that the bloc will be in good health also after Britain’s departure in 2019 and that Juncker has therefore offered EU leaders the so called White Book proposing various possible post-Brexit tactics.

In Zile’s words, Juncker support a “multi-speed” Europe with the focus on France, Italy and Germany, the EU’s core members. Other member states, most probably, would receive little attention under this plan.

Zile believes, however, that the best tactic would be to do less but more effectively.

As reported, last Wednesday Juncker came up with a salvage plan for the EU, warning at the same time that the bloc needs to write a “new chapter”, taking into consideration Britain’s planned exit from the EU in 2019.

The former Luxembourgian prime minster outlined “five pathways to unity”, which EU leaders are expected to consider at a special summit scheduled to take place on March 25 in Rome in honor of the bloc’s 60th anniversary.

The proposals include a suggestion to reduce the EU to the level of the single market and to develop a multi-speed Europe where likeminded countries could achieve their goals even if others did not agree to them.

The plan has already drawn criticism from Eastern European countries which are concerned that traditional heavyweights as Germany and France might sideline less influential member states on issues like immigration.