Differentiated integration, which brings some member states together on common means and strategies, appears to be the only route possible to circumvent obstructions to a Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) for the 28 member states. On an institutional level, it is possible. But its power to create a political domino effect and its ability to bolster existing means of action, remain rather unconvincing. The return of partial integration frameworks into the CSDP as a whole is the only way that will allow the entire process to move pass a juxtaposition of national interests.