EU Member States Call for Reform of Foreign-Policy Veto Rules

On September 1 2026, eleven EU member states—Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain and Sweden—sent a joint letter to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (some reports name Josep Borrell). The letter condemns “obstructive” vetoes and proposes a five-point handbook, including activation of the “passerelle clause” (Article 31) to allow qualified-majority voting (QMV) in selected foreign-policy areas.

Politico Europe11 EU countries call for measures to overcome veto obstruction in foreign policy: Report 11 EU countries called for limiting the right of veto in foreign policy 11 EU States Push to End Foreign Policy Vetoes Albares urges the EU to use qualified majority in foreign policy EuronewsEight EU countries want to limit the ability to block foreign policy decisions Bloomberg

EU foreign-policy decisions currently require unanimity, letting any member block proposals. Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán frequently used this power, notably halting a €90 billion loan for Ukraine in early 2026. His defeat in April 2026 opened a window for reform, with signatories arguing that strategic competition and instability demand faster collective action.

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• Kaja Kallas – EU High Representative, recipient of the letter.

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• Ursula von der Leyen – Commission President, mentioned in proposals to place the High Representative under Commission supervision.

France and Germany seek tighter Commission control over EU foreign policy

• Viktor Orbán – Former Hungarian PM, cited as a catalyst for reform.

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• José Manuel Albares – Spain’s foreign minister, supports moving to QMV.

Albares urges the EU to use qualified majority in foreign policy

• Germany – Leading the reform push.

11 EU countries called for limiting the right of veto in foreign policy

• Early 2026 – Orbán blocks €90 billion loan for Ukraine.

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• April 2026 – Orbán loses premiership.

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• September 1 2026 – Eleven states issue the joint letter.

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• Mid-September 2026 – Informal EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Ireland to discuss the proposal and EEAS reforms.

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• Signatories: 11 of 27 EU members.

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• Unanimity requirement: All 27 capitals must agree.

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• Blocked loan: €90 billion for Ukraine.

Eight EU countries want to limit the ability to block foreign policy decisions

• Proposed shift: QMV would pass decisions with a qualified majority, but activation still needs unanimity under the passerelle clause.

11 EU countries called for limiting the right of veto in foreign policy

The letter stresses that the EU’s “culture of consensus” must translate into “common action.” Germany argues rapid mobilisation is essential for defending EU values. Spain’s foreign minister reiterates that QMV is needed for a stronger European voice. Proposals from France and Germany suggest strengthening the High Representative’s role under Commission supervision.

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Smaller states warn that reducing the veto could erode democratic legitimacy and limit protection of national interests. The Baltic states declined to sign, fearing marginalisation. Critics note the paradox that the passerelle clause itself requires unanimity, giving opponents a tool to block reform.

11 EU countries called for limiting the right of veto in foreign policy

Adopting the reforms could speed EU responses to crises such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and hybrid threats, enhancing coordination of sanctions, trade measures and security assistance. The debate underscores the tension between efficiency and sovereign veto power.

Eight EU countries want to limit the ability to block foreign policy decisions

Sources differ on the High Representative addressed: most name Kaja Kallas, while two outlets cite Josep Borrell, leaving a minor inconsistency.

France and Germany seek tighter Commission control over EU foreign policy

The informal Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Ireland will examine the passerelle clause, the handbook and EEAS reforms. Any amendment to voting rules will still require unanimous approval from all member states.

11 EU countries called for limiting the right of veto in foreign policy