Baku: The veto power in the UN Security Council poses significant challenges to the organization's functional efficacy, stated Romano Prodi, former Prime Minister of Italy and former President of the European Commission. He shared his views during a panel discussion at the 13th Global Baku Forum, highlighting the structural impediments caused by veto power.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Prodi emphasized the declining global influence of the United Nations, attributing it to the veto mechanism. He acknowledged the historical importance of the UN in decolonization, peacekeeping missions, and preventing tragedies in Africa. However, he criticized the Security Council's inability to achieve substantial results in major power conflicts due to the veto power.

Prodi observed that during Council meetings, the focus often shifts from gaining votes to anticipating vetoes. He mentioned proposals to enhance the representation of developing countries, especially from Latin America and the Global South, in the Security Council to reflect global power shifts. Yet, he cautioned that increasing members while retaining veto power might complicate the situation, potentially paralyzing decision-making processes and diminishing the organization's effectiveness.

He advised reconsidering mechanisms that allow decisions to be obstructed for international organizations to operate efficiently, citing the European Union's progress through cooperation and compromises as a model for reform.