A draft paper from the Party of European Socialists (PES) regional grouping shows that Europe’s main centre-left parties argue the European Union should gradually transition to majority voting in some areas of foreign policy. The EU foreign policy currently requires unanimity of all member states to approve a decision, which critics say hampers decision making, particularly at a problematic time amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Smaller countries typically fear their national interests would not be protected without a veto.

The PES leaders are expected to meet in Berlin on Friday for a two day summit, which includes the prime ministers of Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Finland and Norway.

Currently, 13 of the EU’s 27 governments are formed partly by centre-left parties, including Germany’s three party coalition led by Social Democrat Chancellor Scholz, who will also be present in the summit and hold a speech.

Europe’s socialists believe EU rules on national state aid should be eased to provide more financial leeway to combat the devastating impact of the current energy crisis, according to the draft of the PES summit closing statement.

Speculation on energy markets should be reigned in and price caps in the energy sector introduced, according to the paper.