Juncker confirms EU's closeness with UK, firmness on Brexit

World
Europe

European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday renewed a pledge for close trade and security ties with Britain after Brexit, but said the European Union (EU) would not compromise on key withdrawal terms.

"If you leave the Union, you are of course no longer part of our single market, and certainly not only in the parts of it you choose," Juncker said in his annual state-of-the-union speech to the European Parliament.

He also vowed to defend Ireland when it comes to the Irish border.

"This is why we want to find solutions that prevent a hard border in Northern Ireland," he said, adding that the EU will stand in solidarity with Ireland.

The European Commission head also addressed the rising nationalism in the continent.

"I would like us to say 'no' to unhealthy nationalism and 'yes' to enlightened patriotism. We should never forget that the patriotism of the 21st century is two-fold, both European and national and they are not mutually exclusive."

Juncker said in last year's address that "the wind was back in Europe's sails" following the election of centrist Emmanuel Macron in France, but nationalist parties now share power in Italy, Austria, Hungary and Poland, and have made gains in Germany and the Netherlands as well as Sweden.

Anti-fascist rally participant with European Union (EU) flag and banner that speaks - You want a Good? Which one? Brown? (in reference to Polish nationalists and Nazi Brownshirts) is seen in Gdansk, Poland, Nov. 19, 2017.

Juncker called for the solidarity among the EU members.

"Europe and its nations must move forward as one. To love Europe is to love its nations. To love your nation, is to love Europe. Patriotism is a virtue. Unchecked nationalism is both riddled with poison and deceit."

Same solidarity was also summoned by Juncker on the issue of trade.

On the much-expected topic of immigration, Juncker reaffirmed his stance on a border-less Schengen area.

"I am and remain against internal borders. Where they now exist, they must be removed."

But he also called for "proper solutions for a balanced reform of the asylum system".

According to Eurostat, in 2017, the EU member states received over 600,000 asylum applications.

The harsh and inhumane living conditions of the asylum seekers in Europe have been reported from time to time.

"We can't talk every time about ad-hoc solutions for the people on board. Ad-hoc solutions are not adequate, we need more solidarity and it must be organized." Juncker stressed.

Migrants stranded in Serbia as Western Europe tightens border controls

Source(s): Reuters