Eleven EU Countries Demand Abolition Of Veto Right In Foreign Policy Decision-Making

Eleven European Union nations – Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, and Sweden – are advocating for the repeal of the veto power in foreign policy decisions. According to Euronews and UATV English, this coalition of countries is urging a transition from unanimity to qualified majority voting in the bloc's foreign affairs.

The signatories argue that the EU's tradition of consensus is vital to its legitimacy, but this system has been hindering effective action in recent years. They emphasize the importance of ensuring that consensus fosters joint action rather than obstructing it, otherwise, they risk having legitimacy without power.

The letter, addressed to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, highlights the changing global landscape, marked by strategic competition, instability, and efforts to undermine the rules-based order. The Union's capacity to defend its values and interests hinges on its ability to swiftly and effectively mobilize its collective political, economic, and diplomatic power.

Germany, the largest member state, is spearheading the push for reform. Under EU rules, foreign policy requires unanimity, meaning that one country can single-handedly hinder the progress of the remaining 26 members. This has been evident during Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's 16-year reign, where he frequently leveraged his veto power to gain concessions and serve his own interests.

The signatories propose five principles to guide and enhance the EU's common foreign policy:

1. Uphold principles of sincere cooperation and mutual solidarity.

2. Increase the use of constructive abstention instead of vetoes.

3. Refrain from linking foreign policy decisions to unrelated issues.

4. Explore options within the EU treaties for moving from unanimity to qualified majority voting.

5. Provide well-founded, compelling reasons for opposing such a change.

The letter notes that the legal basis for these principles already exists; it is up to the signatories to implement them and strengthen their foreign policy. As previously reported, Orbán stated in March that he would not back EU decisions supporting Ukraine until the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline resumes. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Orbán's continued blocking of the EU's €90 billion loan for Ukraine, calling it a severe breach of loyalty among EU states.

European Council President António Costa condemned Orbán's actions, asserting that it is unacceptable to tie the unblocking of aid to circumstances beyond the Union's or Ukraine's control.