EXPERT’S INSIGHTS Veto Challenge in EU Decision-making

Abstract

Complex geopolitical developments demonstrate the need for the European Union to reform internally and enlarge externally. Both processes are interlinked and relate to making the Union an active global player. Most European policies are decided by large consensus, which effectively means qualified majority. There are several areas considered sensitive for Member States and subjected to unanimity in decision making. Historically deepening and widening of the Union have been done by revisions of the Treaty with gradual transfer of policy areas from unanimity to qualified majority. The article explores present day challenges on further transformations for the next political cycle to rebalance the decision-making power between Member States and EU institutions.