Berlin: In a decisive move to revitalize the European Union’s decision-making machinery, Germany has spearheaded a strategic initiative to explore a two-speed Europe a model allowing select EU nations to advance joint projects without waiting for full bloc consensus.
On Wednesday, ministers from six leading European economies Germany, France, Poland, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands convened via video conference to discuss mechanisms for faster, more agile policy implementation. The virtual meeting, scheduled at 1400 GMT, reflects Berlin’s intent to break through the EU’s notorious gridlock amid widening geopolitical uncertainty and economic sluggishness.
The initiative stems from growing frustration within the EU over slow decision-making processes. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil emphasized that the traditional unanimity-based approach is increasingly unsuited for responding to pressing challenges, ranging from defense and energy security to economic competitiveness.
“To survive in an unpredictable geopolitical landscape, Europe must be stronger, more resilient, and capable of acting decisively,” Klingbeil wrote in a letter to his counterparts. He described the video conference as a kick-off, with plans for follow-up meetings during upcoming Eurogroup summits.
The proposed two-speed framework allows interested countries to form ad-hoc coalitions around key initiatives, while remaining open for others to join later. German officials emphasized that this flexible model is not limited to the six initial participants. Sweden’s EU Affairs Minister Jessica Rosencrantz highlighted that the approach ensures critical progress is not hindered by members least willing to advance shared priorities.
France has long advocated moving forward in smaller groups on stalled policies, including steel import safeguards and nuclear energy strategies, and Poland’s Finance Minister Andrzej Domański expressed full support, stressing that Europe needs to accelerate policy action.
Germany’s letter outlines a four-point agenda for immediate action: advancing the EU Capital Markets Union, strengthening the euro’s global role, coordinating defense investment, and securing strategic raw materials. Klingbeil also called for faster implementation of a Savings and Investment Union to improve financing conditions for European businesses.
On the euro, the plan includes cutting regulatory red tape to enhance financial sovereignty, while supply chain resilience for critical minerals is to be bolstered through strategic international partnerships. Defense cooperation is also emphasized as a central priority for the next EU multiannual budget.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has shown readiness to lead initiatives without requiring full EU unanimity, citing past examples like the Mercosur trade deal and support for Ukraine. Observers say this two-speed approach could mark a turning point for the bloc, allowing faster responses to security, economic, and geopolitical challenges, while still maintaining openness to broader participation.
As Europe confronts global competition, internal divergences, and rising strategic uncertainties, Germany’s initiative underscores a willingness among major members to rethink traditional EU governance for more agile, targeted cooperation.