In the highest government office, you have to be ready to bow out at any time, otherwise you are not a free individual anymore. Jean-Claude Juncker More Quotes by Jean-Claude Juncker More Quotes From Jean-Claude Juncker When the going gets tough, you have to lie. Jean-Claude Juncker going-gets-tough tough lying I'm ready to be insulted as being insufficiently democratic, but I want to be serious ... I am for secret, dark debates. Jean-Claude Juncker secret dark want When it becomes serious, you have to lie. Jean-Claude Juncker politics political lying Decisions can only be reached in Europe if France and Germany agree. Jean-Claude Juncker germany decision europe 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 responsibility mean country A united Europe is our Continent's only chance to avoid falling off the world's radar. The heads of government of Germany, France and the United Kingdom also know that their voice is only heard internationally because they speak through the megaphone of the European Union. Jean-Claude Juncker government europe fall It's important to recognize that we in Europe will either succeed together or fail together. Jean-Claude Juncker important together europe It is not more Europe or less Europe that we need. We need a better Europe. Jean-Claude Juncker europe needs I believe neither the French nor the Dutch really rejected the constitutional treaty. Jean-Claude Juncker dutch rejected believe Trump is a partner for us who cannot be easily categorized. Putting it in the noblest way possible, his understanding of politics is a little different from ours here in Europe. The way he acts forces us Europeans to take on a new responsibility. We are not standing with our backs up against the wall, but, to put it as pithily as the German chancellor has: We can no longer rely on the U.S. the way we could in the past. Jean-Claude Juncker wall responsibility past I am for secret, dark debates. Jean-Claude Juncker debate secret dark Since it took up office, the Commission which I lead has pursued a clear policy: we need less interference from Brussels when it comes to the things that Member States can deal with better on their own. That is why we no longer regulate oil cans or showerheads, but concentrate instead on what we can do better together rather than alone - such as tackling the refugee crisis or securing our external borders. Only in that way can we make people feel that Europe makes a tangible difference. Jean-Claude Juncker oil differences europe I notice with a certain sense of regret that far too many Europeans are returning to a regional and national mindset. Jean-Claude Juncker certain regret mindset 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 principles europe people I'm convinced that, in the long term, a monetary union includes a joint debt policy under strict, mutually agreed upon conditions. Jean-Claude Juncker debt unions long I am chilled by the realization of how similar circumstances in Europe in 2013 are to those of 100 years ago. Jean-Claude Juncker realization europe years We must go back to teach Europeans to love Europe. Jean-Claude Juncker european-union teach europe The will of the British people must now be put into effect as quickly as possible. Under Article 50 of the EU Treaty the UK must leave the European Union within two years at the latest. Jean-Claude Juncker two people years Much as I would have liked to respond factually and truthfully to each and every piece of misinformation spread by the Brexit campaign, it was important that I stayed out of the domestic political debate. It was David Cameron's task to win the UK referendum, not ours. Jean-Claude Juncker political important winning You can't deepen the European Union against the wishes of the European countries. Jean-Claude Juncker unions wish country
