Germany’s new foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, has unveiled a reform plan for the European Union that could fundamentally reshape how decisions are made within the bloc. Berlin wants to abandon the unanimity principle in foreign and security policy.
Germany Pushes for Majority Voting
Speaking at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Berlin, Wadephul argued that the EU’s current decision-making system hampers the bloc’s ability to act effectively. As an example, he pointed to the months-long disputes over aid for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
“It takes only the opposition of a few — or even a single person — to block the actions of everyone,” Johann Wadephul said.
The German foreign minister proposed replacing unanimity in key foreign policy and security matters with qualified majority voting.
“This does not mean abandoning the search for consensus, but it significantly facilitates decision-making by removing the possibility of blocking resolutions,” the minister stated.
According to Wadephul, the current mechanisms may even create security risks for Europe.
“This is literally about life and death,” the German politician said, referring to blocked decisions concerning support for Ukraine.
The reform plan also includes a proposal for closer cooperation among groups of member states in situations where full agreement among all EU countries cannot be reached. Berlin is also advocating a new model for EU enlargement that would allow for gradual integration of candidate countries before they obtain full membership.
“Enhanced, step-by-step integration is possible, from preliminary stages all the way to full membership,” Wadephul stressed.
The minister also noted that the countries of the Western Balkans have been waiting for tangible progress in the European integration process for more than two decades.
“We owe them results,” the head of German diplomacy said.
According to German media outlets, the proposals put forward by the government of Friedrich Merz are among the most ambitious EU reform plans in years. The idea of abandoning unanimity is facing strong opposition from many member states, as it would effectively strengthen the influence of the bloc’s largest countries.