Possible Forms of European Integration

Abstract

In summer 1961 the process of Western European integration has considerably accelerated its pace and may well soon reach a point where the European states will have to take far-reaching decisions as to the form and scope of the emerging European community. European integration actually seems to be at the crossroads as far as the question of its future political and legal structure is concerned, be it called “federation,” “confederation” or some kind of “supranational union.” What matters in this context is not so much the name the forthcoming community of European states will be given (there are quite a few unitarian states being called “federation”) but the form and structure which correspond best to the present diversity of interests and needs and the future tasks and aims such a integrated Europe will have. It cannot be doubted that there is for the time being a real gap between the ultimate aim — some kind of federative state or confederation — and the practical feasability of attaining it. There are quite a number of obstacles limiting or narrowing down the possibilities of a further integration in the strict sense of the word. They have to be taken into account realistically as long as they cannot be overcome. Whilst it remains highly desirable to keep in mind what ultimate (and ideal) form the European community should be given, it is nevertheless necessary to adapt its “intermediate” forms to the given possibilities and requirements. Thus, a precise forecast on what kind exactly the future European union will be, is a risky undertaking and does hardly serve the purpose. All what can be said for the moment is that there is a definite agreement to promote integration as much as possible and that there are some forms which seem to be better suitable and adequate for its realization than others. It is the purpose of this short contribution to present a few ideas on this issue which may be of some interest for the further discussion.