The Relationship Status between Flexibility & Loyalty: 'It's Complicated' - Examining the Flexibility of European Integration and Enhanced Cooperation

Abstract: This thesis examines the ever-evolving landscape of European integration, focusing on differentiation in the shape of enhanced cooperation and flexibility in relation to loyalty. The principle of loyalty, a cornerstone of the European Union, is analysed in the light of differentiated integration, explicitly focusing on enhanced cooperation. Emphasis is placed on understanding the tension between flexibility and loyalty as Member States engage in various forms of integration while upholding their commitment to the shared values and objectives of the Union. Furthermore, the study evaluates the measures implemented under enhanced cooperation through a case study. The case study aims to uncover patterns, challenges, and opportunities associated with enhanced cooperation, as well as contribute with a deeper knowledge of the mechanism per se. By exploring the balance between flexibility and loyalty, the thesis seeks to improve our understanding of the complex interplay between differentiation and the core principles that underpin the European Union.