Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain and Sweden are pushing to explore the idea of moving from unanimity to qualified majority in foreign policy, Euronews reports.
A group of 11 European Union countries has joined forces to demand an end to the "obstructive" vetoes that have paralysed the bloc's external action in recent years, arguing that the principle of sincere cooperation must take precedence.
"The Union's culture of consensus is an important source of its legitimacy. Therefore, we continue to strive for consensus wherever possible," the countries say in a letter addressed to High Representative Kaja Kallas and seen by Euronews.
"But we must also ensure that this culture of consensus fosters common action rather than preventing it – otherwise we will have legitimacy but no strength."
Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain and Sweden signed the letter. Germany, the largest member state, has been leading calls to reform the bloc's foreign policy.
