Groups of member-states within the EU will be able to co-operate more closely on specific issues following a decision by EU leaders to remove the right of an individual member-state to block such a move, writes Denis Staunton.
From now on, a group of at least eight member-states, including three large states and four small countries, can proceed with enhanced co-operation as long as it is consistent with Community policies.
In a move that satisfied Irish anxieties, enhanced co-operation will not apply to security or defence matters.
"Enhanced co-operation . . . shall relate to implementation of a joint action or a common position.
"It shall not relate to matters having military or defence implications," the draft treaty says.
There are two examples of enhanced co-operation currently operating in the EU - economic and monetary union and the Schengen agreement that has abolished border controls between some member-states.
Some EU member-states, led by Germany and France, believe that an extension of enhanced co-operation is essential for the success of an enlarged EU.
They argue that those countries that want to work more closely together should not be held back by other member-states that are unwilling or unable to participate.