Abstract
What has been the Spanish government’s position towards Differentiated Integration (DI) with the European Union? Using a mixed method research design, we analyse official speeches, parliamentary debates, and election platforms to find that Spain has demonstrated a steady and robust support of further integration in the European Union. Analyses reveal that Spain is hesitant of pursuing DI not because of Eurosceptic motives, but rather because it fears to be left in the ‘second tier’ of European integration. When support for DI is voiced, it is because it is seen as way to pursue further integration despite the hesitance of more Eurosceptic states.
Highlights
This report investigates the salience of differentiated integration (DI) in Spanish government discourse between 2004 and 2019
Differentiated integration (DI) is not a very salient topic of discussion for Spanish governments. When it does come up, it is mentioned in terms of unanimous support for more integration
Salience increases with developments at the European Union (EU) level, such as during the eurozone crisis
Summary
Differentiated integration (DI) is not a very salient topic of discussion for Spanish governments. When it does come up, it is mentioned in terms of unanimous support for more integration. Social policy gets more attention in debates when left-wing parties are in government. When it comes to DI, enhanced co-operation is most salient, much more so than opt-outs or multiple speed Europe. Enhanced co-operation is discussed as a means of further integration and to move EU policymaking forward more quickly. This underscores the unequivocally positive connotations surrounding the EU in Spanish politics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
