In a scenario where the EU27 proceeds as today but where certain Member States want to do more in common, one or several “coalitions of the willing” emerge to work together in specific policy areas. These may cover policies such as defence, internal security, taxation or social matters.

As a result, new groups of Member States agree on specific legal and budgetary arrangements to deepen their cooperation in chosen domains.

As was done for the Schengen area or the euro, this can build on the shared EU27 framework and requires a clarification of rights and responsibilities.

The status of other Member States is preserved, and they retain the possibility to join those doing more over time.

High