Polish PM cautious on scrapping EU unanimity rule

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said he would be „very cautious” about abolishing the European Union’s unanimity rule in foreign policy, arguing that the veto has at times served Poland’s interests.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.PAP/Paweł Supernak

Tusk’s comments came after European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen suggested last week that the EU should consider replacing unanimity with qualified majority voting in foreign policy, following political changes in Hungary.

The Polish leader said debate over unanimity has long been part of EU discussions but has intensified as some leaders—particularly Hungary’s outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban—have used veto powers to block key decisions, including aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia.

“I will always be very cautious when it comes to abolishing the unanimity principle, because sometimes the right of veto has been very useful, especially for medium-sized and smaller countries,” Tusk told reporters on Friday.

He added that Poland was managing well within the EU framework and said he would not push for treaty changes, describing the process as lengthy and uncertain.

Instead, Tusk said he favoured strengthening the bloc by building consensus around shared interests rather than expanding regulation or forcing member states into decisions.

He also told reporters that recent political developments in Hungary could ease tensions within the EU and reduce the likelihood of vetoes blocking key policies.

Looking ahead, Tusk said discussions were underway on expanding strategic cooperation beyond the EU, including with countries such as Norway and Iceland, and potentially deepening ties with Canada.

„These are ideas about building broader cooperation with like-minded countries that respond similarly to challenges such as Russian aggression,” he said.

Tusk also said that ongoing geopolitical shifts could provide the EU with an opportunity to strengthen its role in global politics.

Orban’s Hungary was repeatedly accused of using the unanimity rule to delay or block EU decisions, including sanctions on Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP

Radio Poland