President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen expressed hope for reforming the decision-making mechanism in the European Union following the elections in Hungary. She emphasized the importance of transitioning to a qualified majority voting system in foreign policy matters, which should replace the current requirement for unanimity.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Transition Period in the EU: Political Changes in Hungary
After the victory of Péter Márki-Zay and the end of Viktor Orbán’s long-standing leadership, von der Leyen highlighted that the new political situation in Hungary opens up opportunities for the EU to avoid blockages that previously hindered the adoption of important decisions. She stressed that this political moment should be seized to advance reforms aimed at enhancing the Union’s efficiency.
“We must also look at the lessons within the European Union. For example, moving to qualified majority voting in foreign policy is an important way to avoid the systemic blockages we have seen in the past,” von der Leyen said at a briefing in Brussels.
Effectiveness of EU Decisions and Future Expansion
According to the President of the European Commission, further expansion of the European Union requires changes in decision-making processes. The idea of abandoning the principle of unanimity has become particularly relevant due to frequent blockages of decisions regarding Ukraine by Viktor Orbán. Transitioning to majority voting will allow the EU to respond more swiftly to challenges and conduct a more effective foreign policy.
Von der Leyen concluded that the new political circumstances in Hungary have created a unique window of opportunity for reforming decision-making procedures in the EU, which should strengthen the Union’s position on the international stage.