European Commission President backs getting rid of unanimous voting in decision-making

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says she backs reforming the EU by getting rid of unanimous voting in some areas, Europnews says. 

 

The media outlet says that critics of the EU say the requirement to reach agreement with all 27 member states slows down decision making, notably with the Ukraine war.

 

Von der Leyen, speaking before the European Parliament during the closing ceremony of a conference on Europe’s future, said she was in favour of reforming the EU treaties “if need be”.

 

“The point is, you have told us where you want this Europe to go. And it is now up to us to take the most direct way there, either by using the full limits of what we can do within the Treaties, or, yes, by changing the Treaties if need be,” von der Leyen said.

 

She said Europe should play a greater role in health and defence, and improve the way its democracy works “on a permanent basis”.