EU Considers Veto Suspension for New Members

The European Commission is drafting a temporary restriction that would stop new members—Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, Ukraine—from using the unanimity veto on foreign-policy and tax decisions. The measure seeks to avoid single-state blockage, recalling Hungary’s veto of a €90 billion loan for Ukraine.

The Guardian

Enlargement stalled after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, prompting a push to admit new members by 2030. A Eurobarometer poll shows 43 % of French respondents favour expansion, 48 % oppose. Proponents warn a 33-35-state union could repeat the deadlock that hampered the 27-state bloc.

The Guardian

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for “innovative solutions” and proposes “associate membership for Ukraine” as a “decisive step”. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warns a 33-35-member union “cannot simply continue to operate according to the same approach that was designed for a much smaller group”. Candidates include Montenegro (population 624 000), Albania, Moldova and Ukraine.

The Guardian

Nine EU candidates are negotiating; the Western Balkans host 17.4 million people. Rebuilding Ukraine is estimated at $588 billion, three times its GDP. EU membership is 27 states, potentially rising to 33-35.

The Guardian

Limiting veto rights would curb single-state obstruction, speed accession, and strengthen the bloc’s security stance toward Ukraine and the Balkans, where Russian and Chinese influence is growing. Analysts warn “second-class” members could erode legitimacy, creating a “dual legitimacy challenge” between newcomers and existing citizens.

The Guardian

Officials describe the veto suspension as a “constructive solution” in a “thinking creatively” agenda. Montenegro’s government affirms its aim of “full EU membership, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with being an equal member state.” Engjellushe Morina calls the block “not so drastic” and a political tool to sell enlargement.

The Guardian

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected associate-membership, insisting “Ukraine’s place in the European Union must also be complete – full and equal.” Critics say the proposal is legally borderline and could institutionalise unequal status for new entrants. Sources differ on the feasibility of a time-limited veto ban and the duration needed to avoid a “second-class” classification.

The Guardian

• “Ukraine’s place in the European Union must also be complete – full and equal.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

Symbolic membership for Ukraine could bring practical security benefits to the EU

• “Associate membership for Ukraine … a decisive step on Ukraine’s path to full membership.” — Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor

Symbolic membership for Ukraine could bring practical security benefits to the EU

• “A union with 33, 34 or 35 member states cannot simply continue to operate according to the same approach that was designed for a much smaller group.” — Johann Wadephul, German Foreign Minister

The Guardian

• “constructive solutions” — EU diplomat

The Guardian

• “thinking creatively” — EU diplomat

The Guardian

• “not so drastic” — Engjellushe Morina, senior policy fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations

The Guardian

The technical group drafting Montenegro’s accession treaty will meet later this year; the EU will decide whether to embed the veto suspension before the 2027 French presidential election.

The Guardian