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An abstention in a vote, where unanimity is required for a decision, which does not have the effect of blocking it; in this situation, an ordinary abstention would be tantamount to a veto. In the UN Security Council, and contrary to the UN Charter, abstentions on non-procedural matters have always been treated as ‘constructive’, although they have never been so described. The term itself was introduced into the EU\'s Common Foreign and Security Policy by the Treaty of Amsterdam (1997). In the event that a constructive abstention permits a decision in CFSP, the abstaining state is obliged not to impede any action flowing from it and - except in the case of ‘operations having military or defence implications’ - bear its share of any consequent costs. Nevertheless, it is not required to take any part in this action. |
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