Former French finance minister Bruno Le Maire said a core group of six EU countries is the best way to reinforce Europe [1].
The proposal suggests that the current structure of the European Union may be too large to act decisively. By concentrating effort on a smaller group, Le Maire said the bloc could more effectively deliver on key issues and counter foreign threats [1].
In an interview with Euronews on Thursday, Le Maire contrasted a streamlined approach with the current membership of 27 nations [1]. He said that focusing on a smaller, more cohesive group would provide the European Union with new impetus [1].
"An EU of six, not 27, is the best way to reinforce Europe," Le Maire said [1].
Le Maire did not specify which six nations would form this core group during the interview. However, the suggestion emphasizes a shift toward a "multi-speed Europe," a concept where a subset of member states integrates more deeply than others to avoid legislative deadlock.
The former minister's comments come amid ongoing debates regarding the efficacy of the bloc's decision-making processes. The current requirement for consensus or qualified majority voting among 27 members often slows the implementation of security and economic policies [1].
By reducing the number of decision-makers from 27 [1] to six [1], Le Maire said the union can achieve the agility needed to respond to global instability. This approach would prioritize speed and cohesion over the broad inclusivity of the full membership.
“An EU of six, not 27, is the best way to reinforce Europe.”
This proposal reflects a growing tension within the European Union between the desire for total bloc unity and the practical need for rapid decision-making. If a core group of six nations were to lead EU policy, it could accelerate integration in defense and finance but might alienate the remaining 21 member states, potentially creating a two-tier system of influence within the union.
