The Foreign Minister of Germany, Johann Wadephul, has called for the abolition of the unanimity voting principle in the European Union in the areas of foreign and security policy, proposing its replacement with majority voting, as in democracies.
If this change were to take place, it would be good news for Kosovo, as its potential accession to the Union could no longer be blocked by vetoes from the five EU member states that do not recognize its independence and have stated they would not support such a move.
“In a democracy, the principle of majority is the norm, while unanimity is the exception,” Wadephul said during a joint press conference with his Irish counterpart, Helen McEntee, in Dublin, as reported by DPA.
“And we must make the norm of democracy also the norm in the European Union. Only in this way can Europe remain capable of acting.”
Following the elections in Hungary on April 12 and the defeat of Viktor Orbán, there is now a favorable window of opportunity that should be used, the German diplomat said.
Considered close to Russia, the former prime minister in Budapest had used his veto power to block EU decisions over the 16 years of his leadership.
“Every month matters, even every week,” Wadephul warned.
Shortly before his defeat, Orbán blocked a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine at the end of March, sparking anger, including from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who described it as “a major act of disloyalty.”
On Wednesday, EU countries agreed to unblock the loan and impose new sanctions on Russia after Hungary withdrew its months-long opposition.
Ireland is set to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July.
