There can be no doubt that, with the United Kingdom, we will lose a very market-oriented voice. Jean-Claude Juncker More Quotes by Jean-Claude Juncker More Quotes From Jean-Claude Juncker In the end, the British didn't vote to leave because of the euro. They're not even members of the currency union. Even the refugee crisis hardly affected the country. Jean-Claude Juncker refugee-crisisunionscountry I completely agree with Helmut Kohl. I am not an advocate of the "United States of Europe," nor am I an integration fanatic. Jean-Claude Juncker integrationunited-stateseurope With their charm and legendary sense of humor, the British directly or indirectly paved the way for a large number of European compromises. Jean-Claude Juncker sense-of-humornumbersway 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 addressesconflictsometimes I put my money on Brexit. The EU Financial Stability Commissioner, Jonathan Hill from Britain, still owes me a pound. Jean-Claude Juncker hillsfinancialpounds 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 officejobshands My father was a steel worker and Martin's [Schulz] grandfather was a miner in Saarland. In these occupations, there is a particular awareness of solidarity. That creates links that aren't present in other relationships. Jean-Claude Juncker steellinksfather I would have thought that they [Boris Johnson and Nigel Farag] would have had a plan,instead of developing a plan they are leaving the boat. Jean-Claude Juncker johnsonboatleaving I would describe that [friendship with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras] as a utilitarian friendship. At the time, his country was facing the prospect of leaving the euro zone and many Greeks felt abandoned by Europe. In such a situation, it seemed appropriate to me to present myself as a friend to Greece. It had to do with the country's dignity. Jean-Claude Juncker leavingeuropecountry I prefer to concentrate on my task of leading Europe to the success that our citizens expect. We have to look forwards now because what is at stake is what makes Europe Europe. Jean-Claude Juncker citizenstaskseurope 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 outcomeseuropecommitment 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 sundaymondaybelieve Here in Brussels, we did everything to accommodate David Cameron's concerns. My collaborators and I personally spent countless days and nights negotiating an agreement that was fair toward the United Kingdom and toward the other 27 Member States. I was then very surprised to see that this settlement played no role whatsoever in the campaign in the United Kingdom. At the same time it is hardly surprising. Jean-Claude Juncker agreementkingdomsnight We must also take this opportunity to learn from the situation [of Brexit], just as we learned from the refugee and debt crises. Jean-Claude Juncker opportunities-to-learndebtopportunity 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. Jean-Claude Juncker playnightthinking With hindsight, it is always easy to blame everyone else. Jean-Claude Juncker hindsightblameeasy 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 europejobspeople I am in favor of the European institutions being led for the next two-and-a-half years as they have been thus far. We need stability. Jean-Claude Juncker twoyearsneeds The good thing about the European Union is that the joint project ultimately benefits all Member States and not just a few. Jean-Claude Juncker jointsunionsbenefits 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 numbersnightyears
