Small European Union member states risk being marginalised if the veto is abolished, Cypriot MEP Kostas Mavridis said on Tuesday, commenting on proposals to reform decision-making within the bloc.
Speaking to journalists at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Mavridis referred to a proposal revived by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to remove the veto in foreign policy matters and shift to qualified majority voting.
“Today, member states have the right of veto. Therefore, for a decision to be taken in the European Council, which is the EU’s highest body, unanimity is required,” he said.
He explained that under the proposed system of qualified majority, decisions would pass if supported by 15 member states representing at least 65% of the EU population.
According to Mavridis, such a change would effectively sideline smaller countries, including Cyprus, in critical foreign policy decisions.
“I believe this proposal concerns the future for the next 100 years. Should we, as MEPs, not have a position on this?” he said, stressing that elected representatives must be accountable to citizens and take a clear stance.
He added that abolishing the veto would itself require unanimous agreement from all 27 EU member states.
Source: CNA