‘Dangerous development’ - Kilkenny MEP warns against EU proposal

Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has strongly criticised proposals by Ursula von der Leyen to introduce qualified majority voting in EU foreign policy.

MEP Funchion said: “President von der Leyen’s proposal to remove the veto on EU foreign policy is a concerning and dangerous development. It risks creating a situation where decisions are imposed on member states.”

“In Ireland specifically, these decisions may fundamentally conflict with our neutrality and independent foreign policy tradition. The unanimity requirement currently ensures that all member states retain sovereign control over critical foreign policy decisions.”

“Removing this safeguard would weaken accountability and concentrate power at EU level, particularly within the European Commission. There is real concern that such changes would only accelerate the EU’s militarisation agenda, including initiatives such as ReArm Europe, without the full consent of member states,” she added.

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Ms Funchion stated that such a move would “undermine Ireland’s long-standing policy of neutrality”. She has written to President von der Leyen to request a meeting for an exchange of views on the topic.

“Smaller and neutral countries like Ireland would be especially vulnerable to being overruled on matters of war and defence,” she continued. “You only need to look at von der Leyen’s stance on the ongoing genocide in Gaza to see how her approach differs significantly from our own.”

“Ireland’s neutrality is a core part of our international identity, allowing us to act as an independent voice for peace and diplomacy. Removal of the veto would threaten our role in this area.”

“I am calling on MEPs from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to clearly state their position and to use their influence within their respective European political groupings to defend the veto,” she concluded.

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Article funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme