Information on the thesis

The dissertation analyzes the features of existence of flexible integration in EU on the basis of analysis of the positions constrained with the use of flexible integration, analysis of positions about the advanced collaboration in the fundamental agreements of EU, and also analysis of practice of application of flexible integration in EU and the EU member states.

The complex definition of flexible European integration is presented, classification of its types and forms is offered. Based on this, typification of existing options and manifestations of flexible integration in EU is worked out. In particular, it is established that flexible European integration is component part of eurointegration process. It is characterized by the different participating of states-members of EU in eurointegration projects (that is predefined by their desire or possibilities), assumes different right and duties of participants and results in creation of different configurations inside or outside of EU, including the possible inclusion of third countries.

The difference of concept of flexible European integration from the category of the enhanced European cooperation is reasonable. In particular, it is set that the concept of flexible European integration is much wider and it has different variations, including enhanced European cooperation.

It is set that countries that have a right on an exception from the rules of participating in an acceptance and implementation of most decisions within the framework of different spheres of collaboration in EU, including in the context of application of tactics of flexible European integration, typically are more influential, than countries that does not have or does not apply such right. Indeed, argued, that such dependence is effective and functional in most spheres of collaboration except for the sphere of currency policy.

It is argued, that internal differentiation in EU is inferior to two opposite forces: centripetal, presented by countries that aim to deepen integration round the situational «core» of integration, and centrifugal, presented by countries that come forward after relatively more weak degree of integration or even partial or complete disintegration. Consequently, it has been proven that consolidation of EU must be accompanied by making progress internal flexibility of EU and separate spheres of its policy, however in the future flexible integration in EU has potential to become bidirectional – on strengthening and weakening of the integrating level. It is summarized, that flexible integration in EU is not the «by-product» of evolution of European integration, and it is the main theoretical and practical model of future dynamic development of EU.

It is set during research, that flexible European integration is provided with dualistic nature and structure, because, on the one hand, the possibility of its implementation allows to bypass obstacles to development of ЕС, but on the other hand, unequal rights and obligations of EU member states violate the principle of the general forward movement and development and pose a potential threat to EU unity. It is well-proven, although flexible European integration is more the exception than the rule of European integration in general, first within the EEC and later within the EU the possibilities of flexibility mainly used and are used until now for moving of integration forward.

It is found out that the first practices, types and forms of flexible integration within the EU were theorized and approved after signing first of all the Amsterdam and a lesser measure of the following (Nice, Constitutional and Lisbon) treaties.

It is argued, that the enhanced cooperation as an important option for flexible European integration has traditionally been used and is used as an approbation or testing of interaction in new sectors of the integration process. It is discovered in fact, that if an integration «experiment» passes successfully, then it can certainly be an incentive for other EU member states to join one or another integration initiative, and therefore generally pushes integration forward. On this background it is noticed, that the enhanced cooperation can be and should be examined as a factor of European integration.

The use of a flexible approach in solving the problems of EU development is a mechanism for achieving the set goals, and not an independent idea. Therefore, flexible integration remains more the exception than the rule. It is obvious that at the current stage of development, the European Union uses it as a means of promoting the integration process.

The practical significance of the results of the study lies in the possibility of their use in the development and implementation of Ukraine’s policy towards the EU and forecasting the further development of the EU, as well as the prospects and risks for Ukraine.

Key words: European Union, European integration, EU enlargement, flexible integration, enhanced cooperation.