1. Introduction
In recent years, the euphoria over the "Project EU" has been dampened. The financial recession, followed by economic stagnation, has overwhelmed European national economies: turning from a private debt crisis into a public debt crisis, it has created unemployment, cutbacks in social spending and discontent with European institutions, especially in peripheral and rural areas. Perceived increases in inequality, as well as uncertainty, have reshaped the narrative of European integration. In order to save the European Union from dissolution in an era where nationalistic interests seem again to prevail, the idea of a multi-speed Europe has recently been re-emphasized. However, that concept conveys different ideas and interests, depending on who brings it to the table.
