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I have another explanation [of Brexit]: In its 43 years of EU membership, Britain has never been able to decide whether it wants to fully or only partially belong to the EU.

Jean-Claude Juncker

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Jean-Claude Juncker
Age: 70
Born: 1954
Born: December 9
Former Prime Minister Of Luxembourg
Lawyer
Politician
Whether
Partially
Another
Membership
Able
Explanation
Years
Britain
Never
Belong
Decide
Fully
Wants

More quotes by Jean-Claude Juncker

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Decisions can only be reached in Europe if France and Germany agree.
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I haven't yet given everything: I am still full of energy. But I wanted to make it clear that I don't have to make unwarranted concessions to national governments or to parliament. I want to avoid the impression that I am doing things just to ensure that I am re-elected. That's not the case. I have had my career.
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I'm convinced that, in the long term, a monetary union includes a joint debt policy under strict, mutually agreed upon conditions.
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There is a distorted perception of what goes on in Brussels. No one reports on the Commission taking a hundred initiatives from its predecessor off the table in order to shift competencies back to member state governments.
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The Luxembourg financial centre is based on several pillars, we are characterised by the breadth of our product range, we are an active participant in the international credit business.
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Germany will continue to play a central - perhaps even a more important - role in the European Union. I think that we will all miss the pragmatic approach of the British, however, particularly in those long nights of negotiation.
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I don't think in national categories. For me it [policy] is about concepts and substance.
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The Greek nation has to be respected. I am not in the camp of those who openly want to humiliate Greece.
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Anyone who believes that the eternal question of war and peace in Europe is no longer there risks being deeply mistaken.
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I am, however, deeply saddened by this [Brexit] vote by the British electorate. But I respect their decision. What is crucial now is that we focus very precisely on what Europe can do for people: stimulate investment, create jobs and together ensure the safety and security of our citizens.
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My friendship with Martin [Schulz], by contrast, is completely different in that it goes far beyond politics.
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The position of EU commissioner for economic and monetary affairs could be combined with the office of Euro Group chairman. That job would be a great challenge for anyone who assumed it. On the one hand, he would have to make proposals. On the other hand, he would have to negotiate compromises with his European counterparts.
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Yesterday's shining heroes of Brexit have become the sorrowful heroes of today.
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From the very beginning Europe has been not only a success story but also a story of success achieved by learning.
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Since populists never miss an opportunity to create a lot of noise about anti-Europe stance. However, the repercussions of the British referendum could quickly put a stop to such crass rabble-rousing, as it should soon become clear that the UK was better off inside the EU - economically, socially and in foreign policy terms.
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In Europe, even more so than in national politics, we have to follow the principle laid down by Martin Luther: Use language that the people will understand, but don't just tell them what they want to hear.
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I'm not deaf and the Commission isn't operating in a parallel world of legal texts.
Jean-Claude Juncker