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I assumed office to bring the EU to a point from which there is no going back. Instead, I am having to unwind the EU to a certain extent.

Jean-Claude Juncker

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Jean-Claude Juncker
Age: 69
Born: 1954
Born: December 9
Former Prime Minister Of Luxembourg
Lawyer
Politician
Office
Instead
Bring
Point
Certain
Back
Unwind
Going
Assumed
Extent

More quotes by Jean-Claude Juncker

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The way some German politicians have lashed out at Greece when the country fell into the crisis has left deep wounds there. I was just as shocked by the banners of protesters in Athens that showed the German chancellor in a Nazi uniform.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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During our religious instruction in school, we always asked: How can one prove the existence of God? And I have learned that the Catholic Church, which is never at a loss for an answer when it comes to existential questions, responds as follows: This question simply does not arise.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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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.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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But anyone who believes that the eternal issue of war and peace in Europe has been permanently laid to rest could be making a monumental error. The demons haven't been banished they are merely sleeping, as the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo have shown us.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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If someone complains about Europe from Monday to Saturday then nobody is going to believe him on Sunday when he says he is a convinced European.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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Now people are criticizing Europe, the European Commission, Juncker and the whole lot because the distribution of refugees didn't succeed immediately. But you also have to recognize that close to 20,000 refugees have already been redistributed. There are only a few member states that do not want to take part.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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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.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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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.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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Angela Merkel did the right thing. Her decision and the extraordinary willingness of the German people to take in refugees conveyed an image of Germany that is still having positive repercussions today. Unfortunately, people in Germany are no longer seeing that.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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Yesterday's shining heroes of Brexit have become the sorrowful heroes of today.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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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.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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Article 50 governs the exit from the European Union and here there can also be no renegotiation.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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As a human being I am personally saddened, as I have a great deal of respect for the large number of British colleagues I have worked with over the years. That is why I personally invested countless hours, days and nights, in negotiating a fair deal for the United Kingdom.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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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.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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For my generation, the monetary union has always been about forging peace.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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In politics, there are different categories of friendship. My friendship with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, for example .
Jean-Claude Juncker
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One shouldn't pursue the wrong policies just because one is afraid of not being reelected. Those who intend to govern have to take responsibility for their countries and for Europe as a whole. This means, if need be, that they have to pursue the right policies, even if many voters think they are the wrong ones.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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I said in my inaugural address that I am not the Council's secretary, nor am I the Parliament's lackey. That can sometimes lead to conflicts, which are defused through dialogue.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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I put my money on Brexit. The EU Financial Stability Commissioner, Jonathan Hill from Britain, still owes me a pound.
Jean-Claude Juncker
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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.
Jean-Claude Juncker