(De-)legitimating Differentiated (dis)integration in the European Union: Between Technocratic and Populist Narratives

Differentiated integration and disintegration are considered key processes of the European project’s dynamics. Opt-outs pressures typically associated with laggards or proponents ‘less Europe’ who do not wish to integrate further, but prefer maintain status quo take a step back. However, differentiation also serves needs champions ‘more move forward despite lack unanimous support so. Both types claims constantly justified contested as they constitute deviation from more traditional uniform way ‘doing integration’ in Europe. This article aims deal differentiation/legitimation nexus EU shed light on politics differentiation, while empirically examining legitimating de-legitimating practices revealed technocratic populist narratives produced by major political actors France, Poland United Kingdom. The highlights flexible complementary usages both that allow (de-)legitimate line domestic agendas.