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11 EU Member States would restrict the use of a veto, which allows a single country to block decisions taken by Brussels
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/1/2026

11 EU Member States would restrict the use of a veto, which allows a single country to block decisions taken by Brussels

The article discusses a proposal by 11 EU member states, led by Germany, to limit the use of the veto power that allows a single country to block EU decisions. The proposal aims to replace the current consensus-based decision-making with qualified majority voting, which would require a supermajority rather than unanimous agreement. Slovenia has not joined this initiative but supports decision-making through consensus. The proposal is supported by Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France, who argue that consensus-driven decisions lack effectiveness and legitimacy in today’s geopolitical climate. The article also mentions Slovenia’s recent action in blocking an EU statement criticizing Israeli settlement expansion on the West Bank, highlighting concerns over double standards and inconsistent foreign policy. It notes that some countries, like Hungary under Orbán, have used their influence within the EU to secure national interests, such as energy concessions. The proposed changes aim to make EU decision-making more efficient while still allowing room for national considerations.

Eleven EU member states have proposed limiting the use of the veto, which allows a single country to block decisions made in Brussels. The initiative, prompted by Germany, aims to ensure that unanimous agreement is preferred over the current system where a single nation can override collective decisions. Slovenia did not join the proposal but supports continued consensus-based decision-making. The plan, outlined in a letter sent by EU High Representative Josep Borrell before the meeting of foreign ministers in Wicklow, suggests reforms to enhance constructive abstention during voting, enforce stricter procedures for qualified majority voting, and limit references to national policies in case of objections. The German-led effort seeks to move away from the principle that all external political decisions, such as sanctions against Russia, must be approved unanimously. However, smaller nations fear that this approach could undermine the effectiveness of EU actions. Germany has long advocated for the abolition of the unanimity requirement, arguing that it hampers the EU’s ability to respond swiftly to crises. The proposal has drawn criticism from smaller states, which view unanimous consent as a potential roadblock. “We must ensure that this culture of consensus promotes joint action and does not hinder it, otherwise we will have legitimacy but not authority,” reads the German text, supported by the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France. The letter, which includes suggestions for greater use of qualified majority voting in external affairs, gained momentum due to the EU’s struggle with an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment. Recent examples include situations where individual states have used their veto to delay or obstruct EU decisions. The push for qualified majority voting is also driven by concerns that some members exploit the veto mechanism to advance their own agendas at the expense of collective interests. Slovenia, however, maintains its stance in favor of consensus-driven decision-making. Despite having previously collaborated with initiatives promoting the use of qualified majority voting, Slovenia did not sign the letter. The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the country believes decisions on common foreign and security policy should still rest on consensus, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue to improve decision-making processes. Slovenia currently holds the status of an observer within an informal group of friends focused on enhancing the efficiency of EU decision-making in these areas. Meanwhile, Slovenia’s recent actions have highlighted tensions within the bloc. Last week, Slovenia blocked an EU statement criticizing Israel’s plans to expand settlements on the West Bank, citing E1 as a violation of international law. Prime Minister Janez Janša accused the EU of double standards and empty political messages that fail to change anything. This incident underscores the broader challenges facing the EU in maintaining unity and coherence in its foreign policy. As the EU grapples with evolving global dynamics, internal divisions continue to shape its approach to governance and decision-making. The debate over the veto reflects deeper concerns about how the EU balances its democratic principles with the practicalities of collective action in an unpredictable world. With the upcoming meetings and discussions, the path forward for the EU’s foreign policy remains uncertain.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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2 reports

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 709/1/2026
11 EU Member States would restrict the use of a veto, which allows a single country to block decisions taken by Brussels

The article discusses a proposal by 11 EU member states, led by Germany, to limit the use of the veto power that allows a single country to block EU decisions. The proposal aims to replace the current consensus-based decision-making with qualified majority voting, which would require a supermajority rather than unanimous agreement. Slovenia has not joined this initiative but supports decision-making through consensus. The proposal is supported by Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France, who argue that consensus-driven decisions lack effectiveness and legitimacy in today’s geopolitical climate. The article also mentions Slovenia’s recent action in blocking an EU statement criticizing Israeli settlement expansion on the West Bank, highlighting concerns over double standards and inconsistent foreign policy. It notes that some countries, like Hungary under Orbán, have used their influence within the EU to secure national interests, such as energy concessions. The proposed changes aim to make EU decision-making more efficient while still allowing room for national considerations.

Bias read (Center): While the article presents the proposal to reform EU decision-making as a significant political development, it does not overtly favor one side over another. It reports on both the push for change (supported by Germany and others) and Slovenia’s stance against it, as well as examples of how some EU-

Why factuality (85): The article reports on a proposed EU reform to limit the use of the veto power, citing a letter from Kaja Kallas to foreign ministers. It mentions Slovenia not joining the initiative but supporting consensus-based decision-making. While no primary source is available, the information aligns with bro

Why objectivity (70): The tone leans slightly towards highlighting the significance of the proposal and the role of Germany in pushing for change. There is some emphasis on the potential impact of the reform on smaller nations, which may reflect a particular perspective rather than presenting all viewpoints equally.

The Slovenia Times logoThe Slovenia TimesIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 558/31/2026
Europe in a Changing World: Values, Interests and Partnerships

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer writes an opinion piece ahead of the Bled Strategic Forum, discussing the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape and its implications for Europe. He emphasizes the need for Europe to reassess its strategic position, enhance security and resilience, and foster stronger partnerships with the U.S. and emerging global powers. Kajzer highlights the importance of balancing core values with national interests in foreign policy. The forum brings together experts from Slovenia and abroad to address critical questions about shaping the future, determining power dynamics, and defining the role of Europe, the EU, and Slovenia in a changing world. He notes significant transformations in global, European, and Slovenian contexts, including shifts in economic power, increased emphasis on security, and the growing influence of non-state actors. Kajzer also discusses challenges like social fragmentation, declining trust in institutions, and the impact of technology on international relations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of geopolitical and economic changes affecting Europe, emphasizing the need for adaptation and cooperation without overtly favoring any specific ideological stance. While it acknowledges challenges such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the erosion of信任in

Why factuality (65): This article is primarily an opinion piece by Slovenia's foreign minister, discussing broader themes related to European strategy and global partnerships. It does not provide specific factual claims about the EU veto reform discussed in the previous article. As such, it lacks direct relevance to the

Why objectivity (55): The article presents a strongly opinionated view from the Slovenian foreign minister, focusing on his personal perspectives and the importance of balancing values with national interests. It lacks neutrality and appears to promote a particular ideological stance rather than offering balanced analysi

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