The Belgians have agreed to this idea, partly because they think it may ultimately play into the integrationists' hands.

ECONOMIST: The Belgians, that is, now in the European Union��s chair

Moreover, the German federal system (devolution, grassroots democracy and so on) has often been held up as a model by European integrationists.

ECONOMIST: Germany

The Belgians have long been known as keen integrationists and they see the move as a natural step in preparing the EU for enlargement.

CNN: Belgium stirs up tax levy debate