The European Commission has mentioned a suitable time for discussions on changing the voting procedure from unanimity to qualified majority in EU foreign policy decisions. According to European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho, the voting change could also apply to EU enlargement. “We now see a moment to discuss this (the transition from a vote to an absolute majority to a vote to a qualified majority in EU foreign affairs decisions),” he said, as quoted by Sputnik on Tuesday, April 14. “There have been no formal discussions of this kind, but yes, we have heard other parties talk about this possibility. I cannot tell you specifically when this will be officially addressed,” he added. Pinho stated that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen did not mention a specific expansion, but referred to foreign policy. “However, when we see where these obstacles arise, it also applies to foreign policy regarding enlargement. To open and close the stages of accession negotiations, a unanimous vote is still necessary,” he explained. The spokesperson stated that although these have different legal foundations, “the fact is that we also see obstacles that prevent a merit-based approach.”
