Ewolucja idei europejskiej – od Europy federacyjnej do Europy „dwóch prędkości”
The evolution of the European idea – from the federal Europe to the multi-speed Europe

Summary/Abstract: The evolution of the European idea – from the federal Europe to the multi-speed EuropeAfter the World War II, European integration was initiated by six countries: France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. However, various approaches among those countries as regards the intensity of integration mechanisms were noticeable from the very beginning. Some countries tried to create supranational structures, for others intergovernmental cooperation was enough. Subsequent enlargement of European Community caused significant differences in economic and regional development of newly accepted countries, which hindered uniformity among all of the member states. This was one of the reasons for developing a new idea of integration in the first half of 1970s – it was the concept of „multi-speed Europe”. Contemporary financial crisis led to a revival of the concept in 21st century. Analysing current political and economic situation among member states of contemporary European Union it seems that comprehensive introduction of „multi-speed Europe” is just a matter of time.

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