ADVERTISEMENT

Polish president warns multi-speed Europe could spawn 'more Brexits'

Polish President Andrzej Duda on Tuesday warned that a multi-speed Europe could spawn "more Brexits" and the breakdown of the EU, after powerful eurozone members like France and Germany backed the model.

A European Union with some countries that have "stronger development potential and a greater decision-making capacity that will formally be able to make decisions about the well-being of others, will become less attractive," Duda said.

Speaking at a regional economic forum known as the "Davos of the east" in the southern Polish mountain resort of Krynica, Duda said "this would really be the beginning of the end" of the EU, adding that "attachment to the EU would decline and spawn more Brexits".

Debate has heated up over the idea of a multi-speed EU -- in which some member states would choose to integrate faster than others in certain policy areas -- as Britain readies to leave the 28-member bloc.

ADVERTISEMENT

Poland and other eastern EU members like the Czech Republic that have not yet joined the eurozone are concerned that the 19-member single currency grouping could integrate deeply and quickly, leaving them far behind.

French President Emmanuel Macron called last week for a multi-speed Europe, arguing that a core of "avant-garde" countries should lead the way in deepening EU integration.

Macron's plans include creating a budget for the eurozone which would be overseen by a finance minister and new parliament -- a major institutional change.

He won tentative backing from German Chancellor Angela Merkel who is running for re-election in parliamentary elections due on September 24.

She also said she supported the idea of a budget for the eurozone to transfer money to weaker members of the currency who might need support while carrying out difficult economic reforms.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

NUT calls for State Govts to oversee basic education, removes LG involvement

NUT calls for State Govts to oversee basic education, removes LG involvement

JUST IN: FG declares Friday, Monday Easter public holidays

JUST IN: FG declares Friday, Monday Easter public holidays

17 soldiers killed in Okuama community laid to rest at Abuja cemetery

17 soldiers killed in Okuama community laid to rest at Abuja cemetery

Benue's Governor Alia denies calling for APC chairman Ganduje's resignation

Benue's Governor Alia denies calling for APC chairman Ganduje's resignation

Tinubu congratulates Faye, praises Sall for peaceful, transparent election

Tinubu congratulates Faye, praises Sall for peaceful, transparent election

Banks in Ibadan refuse ATM cash loading, limit counter withdrawals 
- Residents

Banks in Ibadan refuse ATM cash loading, limit counter withdrawals - Residents

Shettima vows to ensure naira stability, tackle food, nutrition, insecurity

Shettima vows to ensure naira stability, tackle food, nutrition, insecurity

Abure re-elected as LP National Chairman despite battle with NLC

Abure re-elected as LP National Chairman despite battle with NLC

German teen allegedly kills parents, brother with knife, injuring sister

German teen allegedly kills parents, brother with knife, injuring sister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT