Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has called for the European Union to adopt qualified majority voting in foreign policy decisions. This appeal comes less than a day after Viktor Orbán’s defeat in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, a move aimed at preventing individual countries from obstructing collective EU actions.
Speaking to reporters in Brussels, von der Leyen emphasized that decisions regarding EU foreign policy, including sanctions against Russia and financial support for Ukraine, should be made by majority vote rather than requiring unanimous consent. She stated,
“Transitioning to qualified majority voting in foreign policy is an important way to avoid systemic blockages that we have seen in the past.”
Von der Leyen urged EU member states to seize this moment and support the proposed change. Orbán, who served as Hungary’s Prime Minister for 16 years, frequently used his position to block broader European decisions on foreign policy.
According to Politico, this initiative may face challenges, as not all pro-European countries may be willing to relinquish control over their foreign policies or agree to decisions they do not support.
In her remarks, von der Leyen also indicated that the European Commission would establish contact with the new Hungarian government once it is formed. She noted that the incoming Prime Minister, Péter Mándy, has clearly articulated a pro-European stance during his campaign.
She remarked,
“We already see that he is firmly on the European path, obliging the new government to continue cooperation with us,”
adding that a priority will be to advance EU funding and reforms, as “the Hungarian people deserve this.”
Von der Leyen characterized the election results in Hungary as a “day for celebration,” asserting that the EU has emerged stronger and more united.
Hungarian Parliamentary Elections
The parliamentary elections in Hungary took place on April 12, with a record voter turnout of 79.5%. Viktor Orbán, leader of the Fidesz party, acknowledged his defeat and congratulated Péter Mándy on his victory.
In his victory speech, Mándy outlined a plan to restore cooperation with NATO and the EU, particularly with the Visegrád Group countries, and announced that his first official visit would be to Poland.
With 99% of the votes counted, Mándy’s party, Tisza, emerged victorious and is expected to secure enough seats to form a constitutional majority in the parliament.
Ursula von der Leyen has proposed that the EU shift to majority voting in foreign policy decisions following Viktor Orbán's electoral defeat in Hungary. This change aims to prevent individual countries from blocking collective actions, particularly regarding sanctions and support for Ukraine.