Germany and Sweden push to end EU veto power

An increasing number of EU countries are discussing limiting or abolishing the veto power that allows a single member state to block decisions affecting the entire bloc.

Germany and Sweden are leading the initiative, Caliber.Az reports, citing Politico.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that experiences in assisting Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia highlight the need to move toward qualified majority voting in foreign policy and security matters.

“We should abolish the unanimity principle in the EU in foreign and security policy before the end of the current legislative period so as to be better capable of acting internationally and to be truly grown-up,” Wadephul noted.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also supports discussions on transitioning to qualified majority voting.

However, France, Belgium, and several smaller states favour retaining the veto, viewing it as an essential tool for protecting national interests.

According to a diplomatic source, foreign policy remains largely under national control, and a full shift to majority voting in this area is not currently being considered.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov