Phrase guide

two-speed Europe

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A model of European integration in which a core group of member states (the "vanguard") pursues deeper integration at a faster pace than the rest of the union, which remains at a lower level of integration.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: European-Union, uncountable

Topics: government, politics

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: ever closer union

History

Etymology

two-speed + Europe, patterned after automotive terminology to describe different rates of progress.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: Europa met twee snelheden — concept of a core group integrating faster
  • Finnish: kahden nopeuden Eurooppa — concept of a core group integrating faster
  • French: Europe à deux vitesses — concept of a core group integrating faster
  • Georgian: ორსიჩქარიანი ევროპა (orsičkariani evroṗa) — concept of a core group integrating faster
  • German: Europa der zwei Geschwindigkeiten — concept of a core group integrating faster
  • Italian: Europa a due velocità — concept of a core group integrating faster
  • Polish: Europa dwóch prędkości — concept of a core group integrating faster
  • Portuguese: Europa a duas velocidades — concept of a core group integrating faster
  • Spanish: Europa de las dos velocidades — concept of a core group integrating faster
  • Swedish: tvåfartseuropa — concept of a core group integrating faster