Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) is strongly advocating for the swift elimination of the consensus principle within the European Union. Speaking to the Funke media group’s newspapers on Saturday, the CDU politician stated that for the EU to be a truly capable international actor and mature, the consensus principle in foreign and security policy must be abolished before the end of the current legislative period. He expressed support for implementing a system of qualified majorities within the European Union, pointing to the practical experience gained in recent weeks regarding aid for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia as evidence of this need.
Wadephul argued that because the EU represents the world’s largest unified economic area, its economic strength must be matched by political authority. He warned that the bloc can no longer afford to be held back by the actions of individual member states.
He addressed Hungary, which is currently led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban and has repeatedly blocked a €90 billion loan for the EU. Considering the Hungarian parliamentary elections set for April 12th, Wadephul suggested that the Hungarians themselves will democratically determine the leadership they wish to have. He added that all future governments in Hungary will have to cooperate with the EU.
Furthermore, Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to comprehensive support for Ukraine. The foreign minister noted that Germany is currently Ukraine’s most important supporter, a point he reiterated to President Zelensky during a recent visit, assuring him that Germany will remain the strongest supporter.