An examination of Differentiated Integration within the European Union

Differentiated Integration (DI) has been a core issue in the debate surrounding European integration by both political and legal actors within the EU since early on in its existence. The debate has now shifted to the effect that DI will have post-Brexit, as those in favour of European integration are acutely aware of the reality in the case of a complete breakdown in integration. DI has remained a somewhat elusive idea, which has been described by Cloos as being a clear illustration of ‘practice preceding theory’. This article will examine DI through a typology of its respective forms, and how it has become woven into the legal fabric of the EU. Finally, following this, the article will engage in a discussion of the practical implications of DI in the EU