In search of alternative models of integration: Europe as a club of clubs

Abstract

The vision of “Europe as a club of clubs” constitutes Giandomenico
Majone’s input into the discussion about the reform and future of the European
Union. Majone voices objections to further centralization and a transfer
of competences to the European level and calls for more differentiation
(flexibility) of the integration process. The article discusses notions of differentiated
integration and disintegration with regard to the EU and their
mutual relations as well as critical arguments against the current model of
European integration based on the logic of neo-functionalism. Furthermore,
the concept of change in the EU is outlined – from the model based on
harmonization to the one based on cooperative competition. In conclusion,
weaknesses of the “club of clubs” concept are indicated together with its positive
contribution to the redefinition of thinking about integration processes
in Europe.