Discussion of 'two Europes' or a 'multi-speed Europe,' the notion that the continent is integrating not at one pace but along several tracks, is resurfacing, Huanqiu reported, citing expert analysis, amid the heavier burden of enlargement as Ukraine's accession process begins.

The multi-speed idea holds that a core group keen on integration and a cautious periphery can advance at different speeds, rooted in the reality that unanimity grows harder as membership widens.

Supporters argue flexible integration is what makes enlargement feasible. Opponents fear dividing Europe into first and second tiers, weakening cohesion.

The debate goes beyond institutional design to a question of European identity: where 'Europe' ends, and what going together means.

Sinophone Bridge Times does not reduce the integration debate to any one camp's claim, watching factually how Europe balances the ideal of enlargement with the reality of cohesion.