BERLIN - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz yesterday sent a very clear warning to the EU member states, which he said have repeatedly obstructed collective decision-making. In an interview with public broadcaster WDR, he threatened that Berlin would take a tougher approach towards Slovakia and Hungary if they continued to block important EU decisions.
"The European Union is built on the principles of cooperation and solidarity. Those who consistently undermine these rules must face the consequences," Merz said. In his view, the situation is reaching a point where it will no longer be possible to continue with the current restrained attitude. "Stronger words and tougher conflicts may be on the agenda," the chancellor added. Friedrich Merz, who will become German chancellor after the 2024 elections, is known for his emphasis on transatlantic cooperation and strict adherence to European rules. His statement is seen as a response to repeated obstruction by Budapest and Bratislava in voting on key issues at the European Council, including support for Ukraine, energy policy and migration quotas.
Both Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have faced long-standing criticism for their stance on European integration and cooperation. In recent months, both countries have opposed several proposals that most other member states have supported. There has been no reaction yet from other European leaders to Merz's statement. But diplomatic sources in Brussels say the statement is expected to spark a fierce debate within the union and reopen the question of how to deal with repeated vetoes by some member states. Analysts warn that pressure from Berlin may have a short-term effect, but it also increases the risk of further polarisation within the EU. While Germany, as the bloc's largest economy, has considerable influence, a breakdown in unity could have serious consequences for European integration as a whole.
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