Two non-attached MEPs, Erik Kaliňák and Judita Laššáková, have asked the European Commission whether President Ursula von der Leyen intends to exploit the outcome of the Hungarian elections to abolish the unanimity requirement in EU foreign policy. The written question, submitted on 15 April 2026, challenges von der Leyen's call on 13 April for member states to 'seize the momentum' and move to qualified majority voting (QMV) in the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) to prevent 'systemic blockages.'
first, whether the Commission considers it appropriate to call for treaty change immediately after a national election; second, how the Commission intends to achieve such a change given that any passerelle clause activation requires unanimous consent of all 27 member states; and third, how the Commission assesses concerns that QMV would weaken the influence of smaller member states on foreign and security decisions.
Policy orientation and ambition The question reveals a clear cleavage between those advocating for deeper EU integration through majority voting and those defending national sovereignty and treaty-based unanimity. The MEPs position themselves firmly against any move to QMV, framing it as a threat to smaller states' influence and a breach of the fundamental rules agreed upon by all member states. They imply that von der Leyen's statement was opportunistic and potentially illegitimate.
Expected follow-up The Commission is required to respond to written parliamentary questions within approximately six weeks. The answer will signal the Commission's policy direction on CFSP reform and its interpretation of treaty provisions. A supportive response would indicate willingness to pursue QMV, while a cautious one would reaffirm respect for unanimity and national sovereignty. The question also puts pressure on the Commission to clarify its stance on the role of smaller member states in EU foreign policy-making.
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