Policymakers in opposition circles talk loudly about sweeping reforms to the European Union, arguing that a new phase of reform is under way and that their parties will defend national sovereignty. In reality, the changes appearing on the table are not mere exploratory ideas. At the level of the European Parliament, the proposals are shaping up as definitive, and the 267 amendments across the two foundational treaties, TEU and TFEU, are anticipated to be adopted at the November EP session, most likely around November 22, with broad cross group support.
In the European Parliament Constitutional Committee, voting on the report that carries these proposals showed a strong majority in favor. The European People’s Party, the Left, Renew Europe, the Greens, and the Communists were united in support, while the European Conservatives and Reformists bloc mostly opposed. Independent and non affiliated members tended to be against. If similar margins hold in the plenary, some Polish members from Platforma or PSL or the Left might opt to mobilize public opinion back home rather than keep their voting cards in their pockets during the session.
The changes pushed by rapporteurs from five political groupings accelerate a shift that industry experts describe as a potential Copernican revolution. If adopted, the 27 member states would move toward a centralized framework with new governance, where the balance of power would tilt toward Brussels and away from the national capitals, akin to a federation where member states retain only residual powers in many areas.
Among the notable shifts are the transfer of additional policy areas to EU exclusive competence, including environmental protection and biodiversity, and the extension of shared competences into areas like foreign and security policy, border control, forestry, public health, civil protection, industry, and education. In practice, this means that in many fields only issues not already taken over by EU institutions would stay under national control.
Another consequence would be a substantial curtailment of veto rights. Across as many as 65 policy areas, national vetoes could disappear, leaving the right of veto intact only on the admission of new member states, and even that could be subject to qualified majority voting for treaty amendments. The package also includes a clear path toward making the euro universal for the entire Union, which would push the seven current non eurozone members toward joining the common currency. The agenda also features a long-term emphasis on strategic autonomy, envisioning a defense policy that could operate with reduced reliance on the United States.
After the December EP vote, the proposal would move to the European Council, chaired by the country holding the six month rotating presidency, with expectations of a general approach reached by simple majority. The Council could then initiate a Convention to Amend the Treaties, bringing together heads of government, national parliament representatives, the European Parliament, and the Commission. Depending on the route chosen, changes could take three to four years, or follow the simplified amendment procedures that would allow quicker adoption by the European Council and ratification by member states, though non-ratification could trigger a reentry into a second EU cycle that would not stop EU decision-making or access to funds.
The driving forces behind this push are clear. Germany and France are intent on catching up with US and Chinese economic power and keeping the European Union in a leading position on the world stage. They see a stronger, more centralized EU as a way to maintain influence and secure a durable partnership framework with major economies. In parallel, concerns about domestic discontent inside their own countries prompt leaders to push reforms that could preempt shifts in national governments and preserve a bloc-wide decision-making center in Brussels.
Observers note that this rapid pace may reflect a strategic choice by Brussels elites, who may be willing to bypass some procedural obstacles in the interest of accelerating reform. The prospect of a European government aligned with a new Polish leadership in the upcoming period is seen as potentially smoothing the path for treaty changes and diminishing resistance from smaller Central and Eastern European governments.
Credit: wPolityce