At some point, we will have to regulate, the first task of any public authority is to protect its citizens - and if we see you (tech giants) as a threat to our citizens, we will regulate and if you don't work with us, we will probably regulate badly.

Frans Timmermans

Categorized in : Technology

We should also be prepared to consider other instruments, for instance a carbon border tax, to level the playing field for European products.

Frans Timmermans

My idea would be to say to our international partners: we are making this transition to a climate neutral economy by 2050. If you make the same measures or comparable measures going in the same direction, we will make this voyage together.

Frans Timmermans

We thought they are so brilliant, that in some vault somewhere in Westminster there will be a Harry Potter-like book with all the tricks and all the things in it to do.

Frans Timmermans

I absolutely hope that the UK might stay in the EU, i hope this period of extension will be used for Britain to calm down and rethink things a bit, perhaps for politicians to be more responsible with the promises they make, and then look at the issue again later this year.

Frans Timmermans

I think globally there will be a call to regulate. by Frans Timmermans

I think globally there will be a call to regulate.

Frans Timmermans

This is a question that, I think, can be raised with the Maltese authorities when discussing the passport scheme.

Frans Timmermans

I don't want to prejudge, or pre-empt on any next steps, why? Because I did get the feeling today that there is room for dialogue and room for finding a solution (to the crisis) without the European Commission having to take any next steps.

Frans Timmermans

For us it is important to continue work with Turkey on the implementation of the action plan, i'm strongly encouraged to do that because of the positive and proactive attitude of Prime Minister Davutoglu.

Frans Timmermans

One of the reasons why the asylum system ... isn't working is bec... by Frans Timmermans

One of the reasons why the asylum system ... isn't working is because member states do not apply it.

Frans Timmermans

most-read-articles

Europe must fight an unprecedented crisis, a humanitarian crisis, a political crisis and we must find a European response for a problem that cannot be dealt by each member-state separately.

Frans Timmermans

We are here today to discuss with the Greek government the best way that we can quickly implement the decisions that are necessary for us to be able to assist financially and with people and material so that the situation becomes better.

Frans Timmermans

I'm calling on all member states to work with the Commission to find comprehensive solutions to better manage migration. We are all in this together.

Frans Timmermans

Nationalism makes us poor because its Siamese twin, protectionism, will destroy the internal market and disrupt international trade.

Frans Timmermans

will nationalism trade poor

Plastic waste is undeniably a big issue, and Europeans need to act together to tackle this problem because plastic waste ends up in our air, our soil, our oceans, and in our food.

Frans Timmermans

plastic problem together food

If we put our policies in the right order, we have a sustainable society without lowering but even increasing our levels of wellbeing.

Frans Timmermans

right sustainable without society

Is wellbeing only economic growth? Only salaries? Or is wellbeing also being able to breathe clean air and drink clean water?

Frans Timmermans

being drink growth water

Nationalism is like alcoholism: a short period of exaltation foll... by Frans Timmermans

Nationalism is like alcoholism: a short period of exaltation followed by a long period of headaches.

Frans Timmermans

short like nationalism long

Look at what the divisiveness of Brexit has done to the U.K. by Frans Timmermans

Look at what the divisiveness of Brexit has done to the U.K.

Frans Timmermans

brexit look done

My parents married in 1959 and came to Amsterdam on honeymoon. That was a huge thing, event, for them. Now my children fly off for the weekend to Riga, Prague, or Barcelona.

Frans Timmermans

fly parents weekend children

One of the principles upon which the E.U. is built is the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary.

Frans Timmermans

separation independence principles