FLASH
Shkruar nga PamfletiThe Netherlands is blocking plans to limit veto power in the accession process for countries seeking to join the European Union. "We don't want shortcuts," acting Prime Minister Dick Schoof said after arriving at an EU summit in Copenhagen. This effectively destroys the proposal of EU leader António Costa.
European Council President Antonio Costa is seeking to significantly limit the veto power in the accession process of countries such as Ukraine, Albania and Serbia. Currently, any new step in the negotiations requires the approval of all 27 member states.
Costa wants to change the rules.
According to him, a new step could also be possible if a qualified majority gives the green light. This means that decisions can be taken even if at least 55% of EU member states agree, representing 65% of the European population.
But this idea is facing resistance from the Netherlands, reports Dutch media outlet Telegraaf.nl.
This was confirmed by the country's Prime Minister Dick Schoof. "We are talking about the conditions for the rule of law here, and this requires unanimity," he said.
The Netherlands is traditionally a "hawk" when it comes to EU enlargement. The Hague will not give the green light if, for example, a country is not doing enough to fight corruption.
Costa wants to present his controversial plan in Copenhagen because of the months-long Hungarian blockade against taking a new step in the accession process of Ukraine and Moldova.
The Dutch prime minister calls the Hungarian resistance a "political blockade." "A strong discussion with Hungary is needed. There are many ways to put pressure on Hungary."
Incidentally, there are other countries that are not in favor of Costa's plan. Countries like Bulgaria, Greece, and Cyprus attach great importance to their veto due to their national dislike of the accession of North Macedonia and Turkey, respectively.
Therefore, Costa has withdrawn, because changing the rules requires the approval of all 27 member states.
Meanwhile, today in the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, the 7th Summit of the European Political Community is taking place, with leaders from all over Europe participating. The leaders of the 27 EU member states, as well as 22 other countries, will be present, including Prime Minister Edi Rama and the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani.
The EU will be represented by Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, who will co-chair the meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
The discussion will focus on strengthening Ukraine, the security situation in Europe and ways to improve the stability and security of the continent in a challenging geopolitical context. After the plenary session, roundtable discussions will take place on traditional and hybrid threats, economic security and migration.
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