Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Cites "Pro-Russian Hungary" in Discussing the Possibility of Abolishing EU Veto Rights in Certain Cases
Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna, on Friday, spoke on RMF FM, a Polish commercial radio, where he discussed the potential for removing the unanimous voting requirement, especially in areas of defense and security policy, within the European Union's decision-making processes.
This statement comes in light of a debate sparked by Radoslaw Sikorski's speech in parliament, which also touched upon EU decision-making mechanisms.
Szejna clarified that Poland does not support the complete abolition of veto power within the EU. However, he emphasized that the discussion is worth pursuing at certain decision-making levels. This assertion is particularly relevant when considering EU expansion, including the future accession of countries like Ukraine. "When it comes to expansion, each country should decide individually," Szejna stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sovereignty in decisions related to EU enlargement.
In contrast to the topic of enlargement, Szejna suggested that the elimination of unanimity could be envisioned in other areas, notably in defense policy. This perspective aligns with the wider debate on the need for more efficient decision-making mechanisms within the EU, especially as the union contemplates welcoming more members.
The debate around the EU's decision-making process, including the potential revision of unanimous voting and veto power, has gained traction following Radoslaw Sikorski's recent remarks. Sikorski speculated that the expansion of the EU, potentially growing to "more than 30 member states," necessitates a more effective decision-making framework. He hinted at the possibility that reforming the EU might not require changing foundational treaties but acknowledged that some member states might condition their support for EU enlargement on such reforms.
Szejna's comments, particularly citing the example of "pro-Russian Hungary," highlight the complexities of navigating EU policies and expansion, reflecting ongoing discussions about how to balance national sovereignty with the need for streamlined decision-making in an enlarging European Union.