Due to the mistakes attributed to Germany, which many Europeans feel concern every member state, there is a push to move away from Berlin’s influence in Europe. This is paired with a call to return to the principles of equal member-state status and political pluralism, as articulated by Zdzisław Krasnodębski, a sociologist and a PiS member of the European Parliament who formerly served as Vice President of the European Parliament.
In a conversation with the online portal wPolityce.pl, Krasnodębski referenced remarks by Germany’s ambassador to Poland, Thomas Bagger, who conceded that Germany had erred with the Nord Stream project. Yet the diplomat defended Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s proposals aimed at reducing the EU’s reliance on unanimity and increasing centralization. Krasnodębski acknowledged the ambassador’s loyalty to his country, and he suggested that Polish ambassadors should be equally loyal, recalling times when Polish envoys criticized the government in 2005–2007. He argued this should be seen in a positive light rather than as a flaw.
Regarding the substance of the statement, Krasnodębski argued that unanimity in EU decision-making is not a viable long-term approach. Both the chancellor and the ambassador recognize this. He also noted that reforming the voting system is possible, provided it lowers the influence of states that previously contributed to an energy crisis and increased Europe’s dependence on Russia. This sentiment extends to the country represented by the ambassador as well.
As a side note, the article highlighted a related development: Spain has shown interest in moving away from unanimous voting in the EU Council and forming a “Qualified Majority Friends Club.”
Consequences of German Decisions
The German ambassador admitted that Germany did not always make correct choices in international and energy policy, calling into question Berlin’s involvement in Nord Stream I and II. He attributed the situation to multiple German governments without assigning blame to any single actor. Krasnodębski stated that Germany continues to make mistakes that could deepen its dominance within the EU. He urged a shift in direction toward strengthened sovereignty for individual member states and a voting framework that allows them to block unwanted decisions on crucial strategic issues.
The ambassador’s reflections on the Nord Stream projects were framed as grave errors, with responsibility distributed across several German administrations. Krasnodębski emphasized that the current trajectory should diverge from this path and restore a balance where nations retain the ability to veto decisions they strongly oppose.
In Krasnodębski’s view, the European Union requires a reweighting of votes to prevent any single nation from wielding disproportionate influence. This shift would reflect a commitment to equality among member states and to a more pluralist European order. He added that the perceived mistakes by Germany, and the lack of concrete consequences for them, should direct EU policy toward greater respect for the autonomy of individual states.
On migration policy, Ambassador Bagger described Angela Merkel’s approach in cautious, measured terms. He and Scholz advocate for a common EU migration policy intended to share the burdens of people arriving since 2015. Krasnodębski, however, rejected the Berlin-backed framework in its current form. He argued that a common migration policy is not merely an idea but a long-standing project since 2015. Yet he observed that not all EU members support it, and a practical agreement remains elusive after years of discussions.
If a compromise were feasible, Krasnodębski warned, it would not mirror any of Merkel’s past proposals. Any shift in European policy, to be legitimate, must rely on broad, cross-country consensus and move in a direction different from earlier German initiatives. He concluded the discussion with a cautious note that the EU would benefit from a policy that respects national autonomy while fostering constructive cooperation among member states.
In summary, Krasnodębski stressed that Germany’s missteps have implications for the entire Union. The debate centers on whether the EU should preserve unanimity in certain critical areas or adopt a more flexible voting system that acknowledges diverse national interests and the need for a resilient, self-determined Europe. These themes, echoed across the conversation, point to a broader call for a more balanced and cooperative European project.
Note: Commentary reflects the perspectives expressed by the interviewee and is presented to illustrate ongoing policy discussions within EU member states.