@simon_brooke we even see countries that have gone up to the podium during the debate and argued for a ceasefire then voting an abstention. A lot of it is based on where the country wants to place itself in relation to the USA or Germany rather than any principled decision.
@Loukas I think it's accurate to say that the resolution was carried 8 to 4 (amongst EU members) with only Austria, Croatia, Czechia and Hungary voting against. Abstentions never count.
But, it comes as no surprise to me that the UK could not bring itself to vote for the “protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations” which was the title and purpose of that UN resolution.
@gruff EU decision-making requires a majority of countries in favour, and at least 15. So in the case of EU an abstention is a decision to not make the motion pass, rather than to allow the others to decide.
Add comment