Soltz: ‘The EU needs a majority and not unanimity for foreign policy, taxation’ – What will he say about the debt

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will argue on Monday from Prague, Czech Republic, in favor of majority decision-making rather than unanimity on matters concerning foreign and fiscal policy in the European Union, so that the bloc of 27 is not paralyzed by member states’ vetoes.

In the text of his speech, the head of the German federal government also underlines Germany’s commitment to EU enlargement, noting that the countries of the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and later Georgia should join the bloc.

However, “in this enlarged Union, the differences between the member states will be greater in the fields of politics, economics and social security,” notes the German Social Democrat politician.

“Where unanimity is required today, the risk of a single venue using its veto and preventing all others is real,” he continued.

“I have therefore proposed a gradual transition to majority decision-making in foreign policy, but also in other areas, such as taxation, – knowing full well that this would also have repercussions for Germany,” he added.

The replacement of unanimity with the majority should start “in the areas where it is extremely important to speak with a single voice, such as on the issue of sanctions or on human rights issues”.

Also, the German chancellor announced that Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria meet all the conditions to become full members of the Schengen zone for the movement of citizens without passports.

“Schengen is one of the greatest achievements of the European Union and we must protect and develop it. This means closing the remaining gaps,” he said according to the text of the speech.

“Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria meet all the technical requirements for full membership. I will work for them to become full members,” he added.

“Debt reduction agreement needed”

EU member states need to reach a binding agreement on how to reduce their high levels of debt, Mr Soltz will stress.

“This agreement must be binding, facilitate development and be politically viable,” notes the German chancellor.

“At the same time, it must enable EU countries to transform their economies around investment,” he adds.