EU Treaty Reforms - Joint Statement

On February 17th, Emmanuel Macron invited the heads of state of Germany, Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark as well as representatives of the Commission, European Council and Nato to an emergency meeting to discuss Ukraine and security in Europe. 

We are at a watershed moment: The United States are abandoning their role as guarantor of security and stability – not only in Europe – but around the world. The European Union has for too long neglected contributing its share to this joint effort. Not only in material means but also with regards to developing the European Union to become an actor with significant means and political weight to ensure security on our continent.

The European project is far from completed. We are today 27 member states and by refusing reforms to become a true federal Union, our heads of state have maneuvered the European project in a dead end. The European Parliament representing the European people remains without the right for legal initiative. The Council of Ministers representing governments is blocked by the unanimity rule. The Commission president, in theory elected via the Spitzenkandidaten process through a majority in the Parliament is instead appointed in an opaque process by the most influential member states. In a federal Europe, this President would lead a European government of appointed ministers – validated by the Parliament and Council of Ministers - to represent the interests of the people and member states of the European Union. 

We are indeed at a watershed moment.  We have to initiate long overdue treaty reforms instead of holding informal meetings. Without smaller member states invited or represented, how can Europe ever be united? All member states will all be asked to contribute to the security of the European Union. Everyone should therefore also be involved in the decision making process.

We believe this is not the way to move forward. There is an urgency to act, not only with regards to securing Europe’s commitment to Ukraine, but also to trigger treaty reforms. We ask the Commission and heads of state to no longer put our continent at risk by letting ourselves be divided. Today, Europe is “United in diversity” on paper only. It is time to initiate treaty reforms and, until the European Union becomes capable to act, ensure the representation of all EU member states in the discussion of security on our continent.

Signed by the representatives of

Volt Slovenia
Volt Austria
Volt Luxembourg