Eleven EU states call for ending veto on foreign policy decisions

September 5, 2026 at 12:04 PM1 min

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Eleven EU member states are calling for the bloc to explore replacing unanimity with qualified majority voting on foreign policy decisions. The move follows Hungary's repeated use of its veto, including blocking a €90 billion loan for Ukraine in 2026. Any change would require the unanimous consent of all 27 members.

Key Facts

Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain and Sweden are the eleven EU countries calling for the change.
Hungary blocked a €90 billion loan for Ukraine in 2026, triggering a crisis.
Moving from unanimity to qualified majority voting would require the consent of all EU members.
Hungary's former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán regularly used the veto during his 16-year rule.

The Proposal

Eleven EU member states are urging the bloc to explore replacing unanimity with qualified majority voting on foreign policy decisions. The countries are Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain and Sweden. Under current rules, EU foreign policy requires unanimous agreement, allowing any single member to block initiatives by the other 26. Any move to qualified majority voting would itself require the unanimous consent of all 27 members.

Hungary's Veto Record

Hungary's former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán regularly used the veto during his 16-year rule, angering colleagues by blocking decisions for concessions and personal interests. In 2026, Hungary refused to approve a €90 billion loan for Ukraine agreed by EU leaders, triggering a crisis. Orbán left power in April, but the pattern of vetoes has prompted the current push for reform.