Von der Leyen seeks to break key EU pillar
Posted on: Feb 11, 2026 00:33 IST | Posted by: Rt
European direction chairperson Ursula von der Leyen has called for a chemical mechanism that would farther irrigate down the European Union unanimity requirement – a key pillar underpinning the bloc. She suggested that like-minded member states should be able to work on economic matters in small groups in the absence of EU-wide consent.
In recent months, the EU has already increasingly relied on a clause that allows for decisions to be made with approval from 15 of its 27 member states. The workaround has been used to bypass opposition from some countries on key issues, such as imports of Russian energy and the appropriation of frozen Russian assets. Some nations, including Hungary and Slovakia, have denounced the practice as an unacceptable overreach by Brussels into sovereign matters.
In a letter addressed to EU leaders on Monday, Von der Leyen wrote that “our ambition should always be to reach agreement among all 27 member states,” as quoted by several media outlets.
“However, where a lack of progress or ambition risks undermining Europe’s competitiveness or capacity to act, we should not shy away from using the possibilities foreseen in the treaties on enhanced cooperation,” the commission president reportedly said.
Von der Leyen was referring to an instrument devised in 1997, which allows a minimum of nine member states to team up, circumventing the EU’s unanimity requirement.
Last September, she similarly said that it was time to “break free from the shackles of unanimity” and move towards qualified majority voting in some areas of foreign policy, including sanctions and military aid.
In January, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas likewise stated that “unanimity means we cannot always act at the speed of relevance.”
The EU leadership’s proposals have caught flak from Slovakia, with Prime Minister Robert Fico predicting that removing the veto would “spell the end of the bloc.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has likewise accused EU officials in Brussels “systematically raping the law”
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.