EU calls for end to veto in foreign policy - 11 member states demand transition from unanimity to qualified majority
A group of 11 European Union countries is seeking to reform the way the bloc makes foreign policy decisions, proposing to limit the use of vetoes by a single state.
Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain and Sweden have sent a letter to the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas, arguing that the culture of consensus should not hinder joint European action.
Under current rules, major foreign policy decisions require unanimity. This gives a single country the ability to block a decision supported by 26 other countries.
The debate has returned strongly after repeated instances when Hungary, under the leadership of Viktor Orbán, used its veto power to block or delay important EU decisions.
Qualified majority is proposed.
In the joint letter, the 11 countries propose five principles for improving EU foreign policy. These include increasing the use of constructive abstention, avoiding linking foreign policy decisions to other issues, and considering the possibility of moving from unanimity to qualified majority voting.
Another requirement is that a state wishing to block a decision must present "reasonable and compelling reasons".
One possibility is to use the so-called "passerelle clause", provided for in the EU treaties, which would allow for a gradual transition from unanimity to qualified majority, case by case.
Supporters of the reform argue that the change would enable the EU to react more quickly to international crises and use its political, economic and diplomatic weight more effectively.
Opponents, especially some smaller countries, warn that removing the veto could weaken their ability to protect national interests and undermine the legitimacy of decision-making.
The initiative is expected to be part of a broader debate on the future of European foreign policy, while Germany and France are also seeking a stronger role for the EU High Representative.
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