The European Union should move towards becoming a federal state in response to the war in Ukraine, according to Italy's Prime Minister.
Mario Draghi told the European Parliament that in defence, foreign policy and economics, the EU should embrace “pragmatic federalism”.
If this meant reopening treaties then it should have the "courage" to do so, he added.
"The institutions set up by our predecessors over the past decades have served Europe’s citizens well, but they are inadequate given the reality that confronts us today,” he said in Strasbourg.
“We need a pragmatic federalism: one that encompasses all the areas affected by the transformations taking place — from the economy, to energy, to security.
"If this means starting a process that will lead to the revision of the (EU) treaties, let us embrace it with courage and confidence."
But tearing up existing treaties often leads to protracted and bitter fighting between member states keen to uphold their own national interests. The last time it happened was the signing of the Lisbon treaty in 2009.
Draghi also suggested holding a special conference to discuss the future of the European Union despite an already protracted “Conference on the Future of the EU” having been underway since the start of 2020.
Another of Mr Draghi’s proposals was to do away with the veto every EU member state enjoys on foreign policy issues.
It comes as Viktor Orban’s Hungarian government is threatening to veto an upcoming EU proposal to put a complete embargo on Russian oil from entering the bloc.
The UK government committed to ending imports of Russian before the end of the year.
Draghi’s suggestion would likely lead to EU foreign policy decisions being made through qualified majority meaning votes would pass if 55% of EU countries covering 65% of the EU population are in favour.
That could result in some EU governments being forced to impose sanctions they do not believe in or, for instance, funding regimes in countries outside the EU which they politically oppose.
“A Europe capable of making timely decisions is a Europe more credible vis-à-vis its citizens and vis-à-vis the world”, insisted Draghi.
Members of the European Parliament did actually take a baby step towards federalisation on the same day as Draghi’s speech, voting in favour of transnational election lists for the elections for their house which would mean voters casting ballots for candidates from other EU countries.
That move will struggle to gain acceptance around EU capitals which would be required to it to become EU law but could be on the table if the treaties are opened for renegotiation.
