https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/05/12/irish-pm-says-eu-must-challenge-hungarys-outrageous-vetoes-radio-schuman (euronews)

In an interview published on 12 May 2025, the Irish Prime Minister urges the European Union to address what he describes as “unreasonable exploitation” of veto powers by Hungary. (euronews) He argues that persistent vetoes are rendering the EU unworkable, especially when major issues such as enlargement and strategic decisions are blocked by a single state. The article also links Hungary’s position to opposition to Ukraine’s accession and to broader geopolitical consequences.

Though the focus of the article is institutional veto power rather than language or multilingualism, it nevertheless connects to our broader interest in European identity, governance and how institutional structures shape multilingual, multicultural Europe. A few relevant angles:

• The EU’s decision-making mechanisms (including language and translation frameworks) depend on the cooperation of member states. If vetoes stall processes, then the multilingual infrastructure of the EU may be stressed: fewer new accessions, fewer funding or development programmes, fewer language-policy innovations.
• The Irish PM’s comment signals that smaller or mid-size member states (like Ireland) are increasingly uneasy about dominance of larger or more obstructive members. In a multilingual Europe, this power asymmetry matters: languages of smaller states may have fewer allies and less institutional leverage.
• From a professional point of view for translation/localisation and multilingual education: stalled EU processes mean fewer opportunities for new languages, fewer expansions of institutional services, possibly less investment in expanding linguistic coverage.
• In terms of identity and politics: language is part of institutional inclusion. When the EU’s ability to welcome new members or agree common positions is blocked, the plurilingual, multi-cultural ideal of Europe is undermined by institutional gridlock.

1. How do you think veto-power gridlock at EU level affects multilingualism, language rights or language-policy developments?
2. Do you believe smaller member states should challenge the veto system in the EU? What would be the consequences for governance and for linguistic/cultural equity?
3. From your region’s perspective, could institutional paralysis in the EU reduce your language’s chances of being supported, recognised or integrated in EU frameworks?

Would love to hear your reflections!