{
  "id": 4866650,
  "title": "France, Germany back call for faster, more efficient EU decisions in foreign and security policy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/france-germany-back-call-for-faster-more-efficient-eu-decisions-in",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-01T13:20:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Politico EU",
    "slug": "politico-eu",
    "url": "https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-foreign-policy-france-germany-qualified-majority-voting/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "France and Germany have endorsed a proposal for more efficient decision-making in the EU's foreign and security policies, according to a letter obtained by POLITICO. Addressed to High Representative Kaja Kallas, the letter is signed by 11 EU nations, including the two major signatories. The signatories propose five ways to enhance the speed and efficiency of decision-making, such as increasing the use of qualified majority voting (QMV) and emphasizing sincere cooperation between member states. Currently, decisions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) require unanimous approval from all 27 EU countries, leading to significant delays when countries like Hungary used their vetoes. The letter does not explicitly endorse a change in voting methods but opens the door for greater use of QMV. Other proposed steps include using constructive abstentions instead of vetoes, banning unrelated matters from being linked to debated issues, and exploring treaty-based options like the Passerelle clause to change decision-making rules without amending any treaties. The letter is expected to be discussed during informal talks in Wicklow, Ireland, where foreign ministers will also explore options for reforming the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic branch.",
  "summary": "Hungary's repeated blocking of EU decisions under ex-PM Viktor Orbán is prompting reflection on how the EU makes foreign policy decisions.",
  "key_points": [
    "France and Germany endorse proposal for faster EU decision-making in foreign and security policy.",
    "Letter expected to be discussed during informal talks in Wicklow, Ireland."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}