Currently, most EU foreign policy decisions require unanimity – which in some cases can slow down the ability to act.
Seven European Union member states have called for abandoning the principle of unanimity in decision-making in the EU’s common foreign and security policy and greater use of qualified majority voting, Politico reports.
Thus, the foreign ministers of Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia and Spain spoke with a common position.
In their opinion, the EU needs to strengthen its ability to act in the field of foreign and security policy in times of crisis, and as the EU expands, successful European integration requires the effective functioning of its institutions.
“Most of the EU’s foreign policy decisions require unanimity – which in some cases can slow down our ability to act. It is despite, not because of, these rules that we have agreed on the 10 sanctions package against Russia in response to its aggressive war against a sovereign state,” the ministers explained.
In this regard, they suggested greater use of so-called “constructive content” in decision-making. This principle allows a decision to be made when one of the states opposes but does not object to the decision, and thus does not stop the other 26 members.
The ministers also suggested that supermajority voting should be tried.
“Some areas of EU foreign policy already allow for qualified majority decisions based on Article 31 (2) of the Treaty Establishing the European Union. This mission can be determined by qualified majority voting.
We can also apply qualified majority voting to decision-making based on common EU positions in international human rights forums,” seven diplomats suggested.
In addition, they suggested adapting the way decisions are made in areas that do not require a formal vote, but nevertheless apply consensus in practice.
The ministers expressed their understanding that some EU partners may be concerned about the use of qualified majority voting in the EU’s foreign policy.
Recall that in May, several countries of the European Union created an inclusive group of friends that will promote the idea of rejecting unanimous decisions on important issues.
Earlier, the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, said it was time for the European Union to abandon the principle of unity in making strategic and decisive decisions.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.