RIPPLE

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to The Globe and Mail (established source), Germany wants to establish a new bloc of six leading economies within the European Union (EU) to power what it calls a "two-speed" EU. This move could break decision-making inertia in the 27-member bloc, as German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz suggests. The proposed bloc would allow for more efficient and effective decision-making, potentially leading to increased representation of smaller member states' interests within the EU. The causal chain is as follows: the creation of a new economic bloc could lead to changes in decision-making processes within the EU. This, in turn, might result in a shift towards more inclusive and representative policy-making. If successful, this initiative could increase the influence of smaller member states, potentially leading to more equitable representation within the EU. The domains affected by this development include: * Representation and Social Inclusion * International Relations and Cooperation This is an example of expert opinion (Olaf Scholz's statement), as it reflects a government official's perspective on potential changes in decision-making processes. It is uncertain how this initiative will unfold, depending on various factors such as the willingness of other member states to participate and the specifics of the proposed bloc's structure. If implemented effectively, this could lead to more inclusive policy-making within the EU.