Perhaps the European Union should evolve into a “multi-speed” unionsaid French President Emmanuel Macron, as he considers the integration of Ukraine, Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans.

According to a POLITICO report, Macron said the EU needs reforms if it wants to integrate new nations and must build consensus with more than 30 member countries.

“The danger is that we think we can expand without reform. I can testify that it is quite difficult for Europe to proceed on sensitive issues with 27 members. With 32 or 35 members, it won’t be any easier“, he said at the annual gathering of French ambassadors in Paris.

We will need boldness to achieve more integration in some areas and perhaps even a multi-speed Europe,” he said.
The French president did not elaborate on how this multi-speed Europe would work, but added that a review of EU processes is necessary for the bloc to deepen and maintain “its attractiveness”.

According to several French officials, Macron’s government is working on various proposals for a multi-speed Europewhich will include the creation of informal groups of member countries working on specific policy areas.

Macron also hinted that he would detail his thoughts on EU enlargement and reform in the coming months and ahead of next year’s EU elections.

Both Ukraine and Moldova received EU candidate status in June, and there are calls for the EU to start accession talks by December.

Despite indications that the Ukrainian counteroffensive is proceeding more slowly than expected, Macron also reiterated his full support for Ukraine.

“Russia cannot and must not win. It would be the end of all confidence in international law. Ukraine will be an investment in terms of diplomacy and resources in the coming years. We cannot pretend that this effort did not exist,” he told diplomats.