Since 1966, EU member states hold veto power over European Council decisions through unanimity requirements. One opposing country blocks entire council operations.
Veto usage surged after Russia's Ukraine invasion. Experts say governments now leverage the rule to extract national concessions from Brussels.
Reform talks intensify to replace unanimous voting with qualified majorities. The change requires universal agreement among all members to surrender veto authority.
Geopolitical pressures demand internal unity. The EU faces growing paralysis risk from its foundational governance structure as tensions mount.