ABSTRACT
For the compromise to emerge, the Franco-German alliance was paramount. Despite different interests, and a very unco-operative French start, it was agreed to find a common solution. The difficult French position was generally accepted among the member states. Notwithstanding the formal qualified majority principle, this shows how it is not legitimate to isolate a country on an issue of high national salience, at least as long as it is clear that the responsible government tries to find a solution, and does not only aim to veto.
