Die differenzierte Integration aus Sicht der Öffentlichkeit: eine umstrittene Handlungsoption

Abstract

This contribution discusses how the populations of the member states of the European Union (EU) view differentiated integration. I argue that public opinion is not generally positive, negative, or indifferent. Instead, three factors are decisive for the patterns of public support and opposition: the general attitudes of the populations and party elites, the benefits from and voluntary nature of specific proposals for differentiated integration for the affected countries, and the strength and salience of negative externalities for other member states. These factors suggest that proposals for differentiation in some important policy issues –⁠ ⁠f. ex. strengthening fiscal solidarity – would lead to significant controversies within and between the populations of the member states.