European Commission President Mr Romano Prodi has called for the abolition of the right of member states to exercise vetos in EU decision making.
Until now, Mr Prodi has accepted the need to retain unanimous voting on issues of 'constitutional importance'.
But today, unveiling the European Commission's ideas on the future of Europe, he said: "The first point is to abolish the requirement for unanimity. That rule has marked the bleakest periods in the Union's recent history.
"If the veto has frequently brought paralysis with 15 member states, think what could happen with 25 or more - that is why I think majority voting should be the rule".
Mr Prodi also called for more power for the Commission with a Commission president in future elected by a minimum two-thirds majority of Euro MPs - a move designed to give the Commission more democratic credibility.
He also dismissed proposals backed by the big member states, including Britain, to give more EU power to the member governments themselves by creating a "president" to oversee the work of national government ministers.
The debate on the future of Europe is now centred on the rival power bids between the governments and the Commission. Final proposals on Europe's future shape will be contained in recommendations due to be published next spring by a 105-strong convention discussing the options.
PA