Vetoes hit EU’s global role: Finns

A report from the Finnish presidency of the EU has urged member states to take more foreign policy decisions based on qualified majority voting (QMV).

The report, assessing the EU’s ability to act on the world stage, suggests scrapping the veto in a number of cases, for example in relations with Russia and Ukraine - areas where the EU already has a common strategy.

Although this provision already exists, it has never been used for a high profile policy. It requires all member states to agree that QMV should be used in that specific policy area.

Under current rules, QMV can be used to draft EU common positions or joint actions, but only when they relate directly to unanimously adopted strategies.

Traditionally member states’ foreign policy vetoes have been jealously guarded, although the EU’s failed constitution would have made it easier for QMV to be used in deciding foreign policy.

Finland faced stiff opposition from the Czech Republic and Slovakia to including a reference to QMV in its report.

According to Karen Smith of Chatham House, a London-based think-thank, the measures would make little difference in practice.

She said thateven if QMV had been used in recent discussions which saw Poland veto talks on a new agreement with Russia, the outcome would have been the same.

"I don’t see how this would help, in the case of Russia you simply cannot act against the Poles like that, it is not done," she said, adding that even for matters which are decided by qualified majority voting, ministers "very rarely vote, things are done by consensus".

The report also suggests the possibility of creating more joint Commission and Council envoys.

EU leaders are expected to take note of the report at their meeting today (14 December).

A report from the Finnish presidency of the EU has urged member states to take more foreign policy decisions based on qualified majority voting (QMV).