In the near future, the European Union should include among its members the Western Balkan countries, Ukraine, Moldova or Georgia, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz in his lecture on the future of the European Union at Károly University in Prague on Monday.
Olaf Scholz, who is on a one-day visit to Prague, believed that the enlargement of the European Union could contribute to the gradual transition of the organization from the current consensus voting to majority voting.
The chancellor drew attention to the fact that "in this enlarged union, the differences between the member states will increase in terms of their political interests, economic influence and social systems". He believed that "where consensus is required today, the risk that one country will use its veto and hinder the development of the others increases with each additional member state".
He stated: "that's why I suggested that we gradually move to majority voting in the common foreign policy, but also in other areas, such as tax policy. I presented the proposal knowing that it would have consequences for Germany as well".
At the same time, in his presentation, the chancellor suggested that a new common air defense system be created in Europe, which would be "useful for the whole of Europe", on the other hand, it would be cheaper and more efficient than if everyone operated their own system.
Olaf Scholz supported French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of creating a new European political community, which would enable closer cooperation between EU member states and countries outside the organization.
Regarding Ukraine, Olaf Scholz called on the EU member states to "close their ranks, resolve old conflicts and look for new solutions. Germany will support Ukraine as long as it is needed, he underlined. He noted that Germany will deliver more weapons to Ukraine in the near future.
Source: MTI
Featured image: Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Source: MTI/EPA/Martin Divisek
