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Since 1966, member states can use their unanimity power to halt European Council decisions. One opposing country is enough to block the Council’s works.
Strategic enforcement of veto power rose after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to experts, governments are using the unanimity rule to extract concessions from Brussels on matters of national interest.
This sparked reform discussions to change current voting rules in the Council. Replacing unanimity with qualified majority is complicated. It would require all member states to agree to give up their “leverage power”.
The veto dispute has reached a point where the EU can no longer ignore it. As geopolitical scenarios worsen, internal unity is needed to prevent political gridlock and ensure effective decision-making.
If the EU doesn’t find a solution, it risks becoming paralysed by its own nature.
Can the EU find a solution to the veto-stalemate? And how fast should it act to find an alternative? Our poll is anonymous and takes just a few seconds to complete. The results will feature across the EU. XL coverage -in videos, articles, and newsletters- and will help shape our reporting as we explore how Europe can secure its place in the age of artificial intelligence.