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Benelux suggests "2-speed Europe" at EU Malta summit

Xinhua, February 3, 2017 Adjust font size:

During an informal summit of 28 European Union (EU) member states here on Friday, Benelux countries, namely Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, issued a memorandum suggesting a two-speed Europe, allowing countries wanting further integration to go ahead and the more reluctant ones to hold back.

"Different paths of integration and enhanced cooperation could provide for effective responses to challenges that affect member states in different ways," the document read.

While stemming migration flows from North African countries to Europe and concerns over Washington topped the 28 EU summit's agenda, the future of Europe without Britain is also to be discussed during an afternoon session of the 27 leaders without the presence of British Prime Minister Theresa May.

The document issued by the three countries, which were among the EU's founding member states, stressed the EU "remains the best answer to face today's challenging times and shape tomorrow's world." However, it contradicted a letter sent by the President of the European Council Donald Tusk to the 27 EU heads of state or government three days ahead of the Malta summit urging them to stay united.

Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission also stated that "Europe stands united today," as he was entering the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta, where the one day summit is taking place.

In March, the European Commission is expected to issue a "white paper" laying the groundwork on how the EU can cooperate more effectively.

The document from the Benelux countries also stressed the principles of "subsidiarity and proportionality," suggesting that "the EU will only do what member states themselves are not able to deliver for their citizens. This also implies that the Union will need to act firmly in areas of clear European added value. It should spend its financial resources accordingly," the document said.

"We must innovate and improve the way we cooperate to move from a phase of analysis and reflection to a phase of delivery of concrete benefits for our citizens. The principles indicated above will serve to support this goal," it concluded. Endit