The outcome of the referendum does not affect those of my officials who have British nationality, since they work for Europe and not for the UK. They have made a major contribution to our common European project, and I will continue to count on their talent and commitment.

Jean-Claude Juncker

Categorized in : Commitment Europe Outcomes

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