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Able Quote by David Cameron

“The EU must be able to act with the speed and flexibility of a network, not the cumbersome rigidity of a bloc. We must not be weighed down by an insistence on a one size fits all approach which implies that all countries want the same level of integration. The fact is that they don't and we…” quote by David Cameron
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“The EU must be able to act with the speed and flexibility of a network, not the cumbersome rigidity of a bloc. We must not be weighed down by an insistence on a one size fits all approach which implies that all countries want the same level of integration. The fact is that they don't and we shouldn't assert that they do.”

David Cameron

About This Quote

Source Speech: EU Reform Address, David Cameron, 2016

The EU should operate like a flexible network, not a rigid bloc, allowing varied integration levels across countries.

In simple terms: EU needs flexibility, not one‑size‑fits‑all.

Key Takeaway

Allow diverse integration paths.

Themes

EU governance flexibility integration policy sovereignty

Mood

cautious optimistic

Type

political strategic

When to use this quote

  • Trade negotiations
  • regional security cooperation
  • cross‑border infrastructure projects
  • cultural exchange programs

Key Concepts

Network theory political federalism subsidiarity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can the EU balance unity with national autonomy?
  • What mechanisms ensure flexible integration?
A Different Perspective

Uniform policies may ignore national differences and cause resistance.

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