The veto power in the UN Security Council creates serious obstacles to the organization’s effective functioning, said former Prime Minister of Italy and former President of the European Commission Romano Prodi during a panel discussion held within the framework of the 13th Global Baku Forum, APA reports.
According to him, this is precisely why the institution’s global influence is gradually declining: “Historically, the United Nations has played an important role in the process of decolonization, in peacekeeping missions, and particularly in preventing many tragedies in Africa. For many years, this organization has been one of the main platforms for international cooperation. Although almost all conflicts arising between major powers are brought before the Security Council, it is often impossible to achieve real results due to the veto power.”
Prodi noted that at the Council’s meetings, the main issue is not how many votes a decision will receive, but which country will use its veto power.
He noted that proposals have been put forward to increase the representation of developing countries — particularly those from Latin America and other regions of the Global South — in the Security Council, taking into account the changes in the global balance of power, and that this idea is justified to some extent.
However, Prodi believes that adding new members while maintaining the veto power could make the situation even more complicated. In his view, expanding veto capabilities could further paralyze the decision-making process and weaken the organization’s effectiveness. In his speech, the former prime minister also touched upon the European Union’s development experience, noting that progress in Europe was made possible precisely through cooperation and compromises.
According to him, for international organizations to function effectively, mechanisms that allow decisions to be blocked should be reconsidered.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on X
