Italian PM calls for changes to EU treaties amid threats linked to Ukraine war

Viktor Orbán Mario Draghi Germany Italy Eu Hungary Russia Ukraine city Moscow Greece European Union

04.05.2022 - 10:19

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euronews.com:

The EU’s institutions are no longer fit for purpose and need reforming if the bloc is to address the multiple crises it currently faces, according to Italy's prime minister.

Mario Draghi was addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, where he said he wants member states to consider changing the bloc’s treaties in order to deal with the challenges linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

"The European institutions that our predecessors built over the decades served the European citizens well, but they are inadequate for the reality that is before us today," Draghi told MEPs. "We need pragmatic federalism that embraces all of the spheres hit by the transformations taking place, from the economy to energy and security.

"If this requires the start of a path that will lead to the revision of the treaties, this should be embraced with courage and confidence."

The Italian prime minister added that he wants his country to be at the forefront of reshaping the EU.

He also indentified the principle of unanimity as a major area where reform is needed.

"A Europe that is capable of deciding rapidly is a Europe that is more credible with respect to its citizens and the world," Draghi said.

All 27 member states must agree on foreign policy matters before moving forward, often delaying important decisions.

It’s this which is holding up a new sixth round of sanctions against Moscow's oil and gas exports, with Hungary's Viktor Orbán one of the main opponents.

For German MEP Sergey Lagodinsky, the EU would be stronger if a simple majority of votes was used in foreign policy decisions.

"The situation we are seeing now shows us both, on the one hand, that we can achieve unity against a foreign threat, but at the same that this unity