Milanović: The EU must not become a supranational power

During Wednesday's state of the union speech in European Parliament, the President of the European Commission noted that the EU is often criticized for its slow decision-making process, saying that it is time to "break free from the shackles of unanimity," which gives any member state the power to veto any decision.

During her speech on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that she believes that in some areas, such as foreign policy, Europe must move from a unanimous to a qualified majority decision making process. On Thursday, the spokesman for the Office of the President, Nikola Jelić, conveyed via social media President Zoran Milanović's position on Von der Leyen's idea.

Post on social media from the spokesman for the Office of the President:

President Milanović's response to the EC proposal to abolish unanimous decision-making in the EU: "The President of the European Commission is once again pushing the development of the EU towards a supranational state, which the EU must never become. She does not have the mandate of the citizens for that. Have we given up our statehood? Croatia is a state. Are we allowed to even say that anymore?"

During her state of the union address before European Parliament Commission President Von der Leyen also expressed solidarity with Poland following the downing of Russian drone in Polish air space, and announcing a tougher stand towards Israel over the situation in Gaza. Additionally, she proposed using frozen Russian assets as collateral for a loan for Ukraine's reconstruction, and said that Europe must assume responsibility for its own defenses.

Source: HRT