The European Union has begun active discussions on mechanisms that will allow for faster decision-making in the field of foreign policy. According to a document circulated among member states ahead of the informal meeting of foreign ministers in Copenhagen, a group of ten EU countries is exploring the legal grounds for transitioning to decision-making by qualified majority, instead of the current practice of unanimity.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Legal Options for Decision-Making
The mentioned document outlines in detail the existing legal avenues that can be utilized to reform the decision-making process. In particular, the possibility of obtaining permission from the European Council to implement qualified majority voting on certain foreign policy issues is being considered. This aims to enhance the effectiveness and speed of the bloc’s response to international challenges.
At the same time, the document emphasizes that the principle of consensus remains a fundamental basis for the EU. The reform should not undermine the unity of the bloc, but rather facilitate decision-making in critical situations where individual countries delay or block the process.
“It also emphasizes that consensus remains the foundation of the bloc.”
Hungary’s Position and Challenges for EU Unity
Recently, Hungary’s actions have become a source of growing discontent among other member states. Budapest has repeatedly blocked decisions regarding Ukraine — from the distribution of financial aid to support for the country’s European future. This has led to tense diplomatic debates and additional negotiations, particularly concerning issues related to the extension of sanctions against Russia.
The discussions intensified after Hungary refused to sign a joint statement condemning the recent missile strikes by the Russian Federation on Ukraine, which resulted in the deaths of 25 people and damage to the EU mission in Kyiv. This position from Budapest is causing increasing frustration among other members of the bloc, who are calling for greater unity and promptness in making foreign policy decisions.