Enhanced cooperation as a form of differentiated integration in the European Union. A case study of the Rome III and Unitary Patent Regulation.

Abstract

The European Council of June 2014 concluded that the concept of an ever closer Union would allow different paths of integration for member states. Differentiation in the European Union is perhaps most visible in the euro area where 19 out of 28 member states have joined. Other examples of differentiation can be found in the area of Schengen. Differentiated paths of integration are a relatively new concept that still deserves further investigation. In particular enhanced cooperation, which is also a form of differentiated integration in the European Union. Enhanced cooperation can be typed as the first pre-determined form of flexibility in the Treaties. Based on a two-tier approach, combining political science and legal perspectives, this thesis will view enhanced cooperation as a form of differentiation in European integration and European Union law.