On April 9, Marianna Fakhurdinova, Координаторка програми партнерства Україна-ЄС at the Transatlantic Dialogue Center, appeared on Slawa TV to discuss the growing challenge of veto abuse in the European Union and the practical mechanisms Brussels is considering to prevent decision-making paralysis — particularly in the context of support for Ukraine and the EU’s broader foreign and security policy.
Fakhurdinova explained that the repeated misuse of veto power, most notably by Hungary, is increasingly viewed in Brussels as a systemic vulnerability that undermines the EU’s ability to act decisively. In her view, the issue is no longer a series of isolated disruptions, but a structural obstacle that weakens the Union’s responsiveness to external challenges and erodes its credibility as a geopolitical actor.
At the same time, she noted that there are procedural pathways to move decisions forward even under conditions of obstruction. A key factor, however, is political will. As Fakhurdinova emphasised, when there is a political decision to act, EU legal mechanisms can often be adapted to enable progress.
Looking ahead, she pointed to a broader debate inside the EU about long-term institutional reform. One of the most frequently discussed options is shifting decision-making in certain areas from unanimity to qualified majority voting, especially in key policy domains. However, Fakhurdinova stressed that treaty change is politically difficult and time-consuming, and that consensus among member states remains elusive — particularly among smaller countries concerned about losing influence.
In the near term, she concluded, Brussels continues to rely on ad hoc and “creative” workarounds, but these are widely seen as unsustainable for a Union that is preparing for enlargement and facing rising security demands.
Watch the full interview here.