Baerbock offers ideas for reforming the European Union

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Green Party) put forward proposals for far-reaching reform of the European Union. Baerbock said today at a conference of European foreign ministers in Berlin that such reform is necessary to preserve the European Union’s ability to move even after the desired accession of other countries.

Baerbock warned that in the absence of reform, the risk of an internal blockade in the European Union, whose membership has grown to 36 or more countries, will become “uncontrollable.” 20 ministers from European Union countries and candidate countries for accession participated in the meeting.

More decisions are based on majority rule

In her speech, the German Foreign Minister presented a series of ideas through which she wants, in her words, to launch a discussion process within the European Union.

Baerbock’s proposals aim to ensure that more decisions in an enlarged EU are made according to the majoritarian principle, that the EU Commission and the EU Parliament do not become larger even with enlargement, and that violations committed by member states, for example regarding the rules of the EU, are punished by states wishing to join in Early EU decision-making processes.

Regarding Ukraine, Baerbock was clearly in favor of joining the European Union. The same applies to Moldova, but also to the Western Balkan countries.

Schallenberg: There is no substitute for full membership

In this context, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) once again called for the gradual integration of EU accession candidates in Southeast Europe. “Gradual integration is not a substitute for full membership, it is the way to get there,” Schallenberg said.

“We have to include candidates in the mobility, transport, energy and research sectors if they have adopted our legal framework.” This aims to prevent other countries such as China, Russia, Turkey and the Gulf states from exercising and expanding their influence. region.