"The countries that share this conception should be able to go further together, without excluding the others, since they can still live in a greater community of exchange and co-operation"

Jacques Delors addresses the complexities of cooperation and integration among countries with differing visions and objectives. Some nations may hold a common conception or understanding, perhaps of political union, economic integration, or shared values, that enables them to pursue deeper collaboration. Delors emphasizes that these like-minded countries should have the flexibility to advance their integration, finding ways to work more closely together, develop joint policies, or deepen institutional ties without waiting for universal agreement among all members.

However, Delors is careful to highlight that this approach should not be exclusionary. Countries that do not share the same level of ambition or readiness should not be isolated or marginalized. Instead, they remain part of a broader community that still upholds cooperation and exchange, albeit at a different pace or in different forms. This underscores the idea of a multi-speed or flexible integration model, where the unity of a collective, such as the European Union, does not solely rest on uniformity but can accommodate varying degrees of commitment and integration.

The passage suggests a pragmatic balance between unity and diversity. It acknowledges both the necessity and the benefit of allowing willing participants to move ahead while ensuring the door remains open for others. This avoids the pitfalls of imposing obligations or standards on unwilling or unprepared members, which could lead to friction or division. At the same time, it maintains solidarity by safeguarding the larger framework of collaboration and shared interests.

Delors’s vision fosters innovation and progress within a cooperative framework. The willingness to let some countries “go further together” acts as a catalyst for integration, potentially offering successful examples that inspire others. Simultaneously, sustained openness ensures that cooperation is not a zero-sum game, where advancement for some does not come at the expense of others. Ultimately, Delors advocates for inclusivity and flexibility as the foundation of a robust and enduring international community.