eunion1-10, Exercise 3: Deeper or looser

Model answer (one possible answer; about 200 words; no preference stated):

The strongest argument for deeper integration: the problems the Union faces, such as a currency without a common budget, external borders shared but managed nationally, and a war on its doorstep, cross borders, and the crises of Chapter 7 each exposed the cost of leaving them half-shared. Medium-sized states acting alone have little weight against large powers, and sharing more (a stronger common budget, common defence) would let them act with it.

The strongest argument for a looser Union: decisions made at a distance are harder to hold to account, publics have not always accepted each step (the Maastricht referendums, Brexit), and a bigger, more varied Union finds it harder to agree. Doing less, or allowing different speeds with opt-outs, keeps decisions closer to voters and keeps members that cannot accept a common line inside the system.

(Both arguments rest on evidence; which one counts for more depends on values as well as facts.)