EU states push to break unanimity rule on Europe Day
On its founding anniversary, the bloc faces growing pressure to abandon the consensus requirement that has paralysed decision-making across 27 member states.
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The European Union is facing intensifying calls to dismantle the unanimity principle that governs decision-making among its 27 member states, according to reporting from German public broadcaster Tagesschau on Europe Day.
The unanimity requirement has increasingly become an obstacle to swift EU governance, with critics arguing the bloc lacks sufficient decision-making capacity under current rules. The debate has gained momentum as members recognise that consensus-based procedures slow legislative progress on critical issues.
EU officials and member state representatives have begun openly discussing alternatives to the unanimity clause, which requires all member states to agree before collective action can proceed. The discussion occurs as the union celebrates its founding principles on May 9, creating a symbolic contrast between the EU's ideals of unity and its operational gridlock.
Key stakeholders remain divided on whether qualified majority voting or other reform mechanisms should replace the current system.