EU leaders embrace ‘necessary’ plans for a ‘multi-speed’ bloc post-Brexit where members can opt out of projects – or the union could ‘get stuck’

EU leaders have accepted the need for change in the bloc by embracing plans for a "multi-speed" union where not all members are involved in all projects.

The 28-nation bloc, which is preparing for life without Britain, is being urged to reform or it may "get stuck".

Last night French President Francois Hollande hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel, along with their Spanish and Italian counterparts, to hold talks on the future of the union.

In the Palace of Versailles, the leaders agreed for the need for the EU to have multiple levels.

The EU Commission accepts that projects don't need to involve all members - after last week President Jean Claude Juncker laid out his options for the future of the bloc.

The blueprint offered up the formal scenario of a two speed Europe for the first time - but this option could give anti-EU countries the excuse to ignore the bloc's wishes in core policies.

The five wildly differing scenarios offered are entitled “carrying on,” “nothing but the single market,” “those who want more do more,” “doing less more efficiently,” and “doing much more together.”

Spelling out the options, Mr Juncker still insisted: “Europe continues to be a great ambition”.

But Mr Hollande said last night: "Unity is not uniformity". He told Le Monde: "Today it is an idea that is necessary... Otherwise, Europe explodes."

And Ms Merkel said: "We need to have the courage for some countries to go ahead if not everyone wants to participate.

"A Europe of different speeds is necessary, otherwise we will probably get stuck.

"If Europe gets stuck and doesn't develop further, then this work of peace may run into danger faster than one might think."

Already the EU has some aspects which members can opt out of - such as the border-free travel zone, and home affairs issues.

But as the EU prepares to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome this week, they are set to mark out a future which could be a departure from the principles of "ever closer union" they used to advocate.

Theresa May has already said she won’t be attending the meeting – as it will focus on the future of the bloc without Britain.