Today (4 May 2023) a number of EU Member States launched an inclusive Group of Friends to foster Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) in the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).

The objective of the Group of friends is to improve effectiveness and speed of our foreign-policy decision-making. Against the backdrop of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the growing international challenges the EU is facing, the members of the Group are convinced that EU foreign policy needs adapted processes and procedures in order to strengthen the EU as a foreign policy actor. Improved decision-making is also key to making the EU fit for the future.

The group aims to reach progress in improved decision-making in CFSP in a pragmatic way, focussing on concrete practical steps and building on provisions already provided for in the Treaty on European Union.

Members agreed to regularly take stock and underlined the need to work closely with all Member States of the European Union, as well as to coordinate with EU institutions. All EU Member States that want to make progress on Common Foreign and Security Policy decision-making, especially the increased use of qualified Majority Voting, and without prejudice to a wider debate on QMV in other policy areas, are welcome to join the Group.

The Group will share the results of its deliberations transparently will all Member States.