Publication details
Respecting Equality: Practical Manifestations of Intergovernmental Integration Outside the Treaties
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| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Chapter in a book |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | This chapter evaluates the effectiveness of intergovernmental cooperation within the European Union through an analysis of subsidiary treaties concluded between Member States, specifically focusing on the Brussels and Rome Conventions, the Fiscal Compact, the Convention on the Protection of the European Communities’ Financial Interests, and the UPC Convention. By assessing their success and impact, the study argues that these agreements, although limited in number, constitute critical milestones of European integration and may offer viable solutions to the shortcomings of the current supranational model. Furthermore, the potential for expanding this approach is explored, questioning whether such treaties could serve as a blueprint for the future development of the EU. Crucially, from the perspective of Member State equality, the analysis emphasizes that such cooperative forms must not circumvent or undermine the broader EU framework. It concludes that a balanced approach is required, wherein the interests of participating states are carefully weighed against the perspectives and concerns of those Member States that choose not to take part. |