13
Mar
2023
Watch
The functioning of the EEAS and a stronger EU in the world (debate)
Mr President, Mr Executive Vice-President Timmermans, I thank you for being here today in this debate. I would also like to thank the rapporteur for the report, Mr Paet, who was unable to be present. I would like to address a more particular issue, because many things have already been said: Article 31 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). Article 31 TEU is very important. Why? Because in its paragraph 2 it allows many decisions to be adopted by qualified majority and, until now, unfortunately, it has not been used. In order to implement those decisions by qualified majority, a decision on the strategic interests and objectives of the Union, in accordance with Article 22 TEU, needs to have been taken. It is apparent that the European Council adopted that document, entitled ‘The New Strategic Agenda’, and its last section is entitled ‘Promoting Europe’s interests and values in the world’. Therefore, as it was also adopted by the European Council through the consensus procedure, they have been satisfied. de facto the requirements of Article 22 of the Treaty. Therefore, a European Council decision on the Union's strategic interests and values is already available. This allows Article 31(2) TEU to be applied to take decisions and actions implementing those strategic interests and values by qualified majority.