A roundup of the key points from the European Commission president.
ADVERTISEMENTBelow is a brief summary of some of the key points of Jean-Claude Juncker’s State of the Union speech.
On the economy:
Europe’s economic recovery has seen eight million jobs created and employment at record levels.On finance policy:
The European Union should have a common finance minister, possibly drawn from the existing ranks of the commission.On Turkey:
Turkey has pushed itself away from EU membership in the foreseeable future. It should leave journalists free to work and stop attacks on European leaders.On expansion:
The EU will grow beyond its current 27 (excluding the UK) members.On the Euro:
All EU states should join the euro and the European Commission is ready to help them make the transition.On cyber security:
Cyber attacks can be more dangerous than guns and tanks so the EU will create a cyber security agency to ensure its defence.On labour rules:
EU citizens should have the same working rights wherever they are, so the EU will set up a common labour market agency to regulate conditions.On terrorism:
New unit should help the exchange of information about terrorists and foreign fighters. European public prosecutor should handle cross border prosecution of terrorism crimes.On defence:
EU should have functioning defence union by 2025.On migration:
Europe is not a fortress and should welcome those who seek refuge from persecution. However, those who come without justification should be expelled. Italy has led the way on the immigration issue, but other states have not shown enough solidarity.On the organisation of the EU:
One president, rather than the current system with leaders representing the member states, the Commission and the Parliament, would better embody the unity of Europe.On the EU budget:
The EU budget should be commensurate with its ambition and should not face cuts.On Brexit:
Europe will move on, Brexit is not the end and the EU should use the opportunity to restate its mission