EU Countries Demand Abolition of Unanimity Principle in Foreign Policy and Security — Politico
On Tuesday, April 7, POLITICO reported that European Union countries are calling for a review of the unanimity principle in foreign and security policy. This decision stems from the EU's inability to reach unified decisions, particularly regarding the unlocking of a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and taking measures against Russia.
On April 7, 2023, POLITICO reported that a coalition of European Union countries is advocating for a reevaluation of the unanimity principle that governs the bloc's foreign and security policy. This push for change arises from frustrations over the EU's sluggish response to pressing issues, including the delay in approving a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions against Russia.
The initiative is spearheaded by Germany and Sweden, which are urging for a stringent limitation or even the complete abolition of the national veto that allows any single member state to block collective actions. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the urgency of this reform, stating, "We should abolish the principle of unanimity in the EU's foreign and security policy by the end of the current legislative term to be more capable of acting on the international stage and to truly mature as a union." His remarks highlight the pressing need for a shift in the EU's approach to foreign policy.
Wadephul further noted that the experiences gained over the past weeks in assisting Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia have underscored the necessity for a more agile response to international challenges faced by the European Union. The current geopolitical climate demands that the EU adapt and evolve its decision-making processes to remain relevant and effective.
Earlier, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had expressed that discussions among EU leaders regarding the use of qualified majority voting for foreign policy decisions are likely to resurface. This topic has gained heightened relevance due to Hungary's recent blockages, particularly concerning the €90 billion loan to Kyiv, which has stalled due to the Hungarian government’s objections.
Concerns are growing among EU countries that the outcomes of the bloc's foreign policy could become hostage to domestic political agendas. Diplomats warn that even if Hungary's current Prime Minister Viktor Orbán loses in the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12, the underlying issue will persist. The unanimity requirement allows any government to adopt a similar obstructive role, which can hinder effective decision-making.
Spanish lawmaker Nacho Sánchez Amor, a member of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, commented to POLITICO, saying, "There are serious issues with how we make decisions. Every month, a new question arises that compellingly proves this point. We must react." This statement reflects a growing consensus on the need to reform decision-making mechanisms within the EU.
However, not all member states are in favor of this initiative. France and Belgium are staunch defenders of the veto right, arguing that it is fundamental to their national interests. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever remarked in March, "I believe that starting debates now about the rules of European unanimity would be the quickest path to serious problems." This highlights the existing divisions among EU member states regarding their approaches to foreign policy.
On April 3, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated that European institutions need to "function as a single team." She emphasized that "no one distinguishes whether something comes from the European Commission, the European External Action Service, or the Council of the European Union." This underscores the necessity for greater coordination and unity in decision-making at the EU level.