Rede von Kommissionspräsident Jean-Claude Juncker beim Festakt des Europäischen Forums Alpbach

On the 21 August 2016, a speech in German language was made by the European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, on the occasion of the European Forum in Alpbach, Austria. During his speech, Mr Juncker expressed his standpoints to the current issues in the Europe and the need for constructive dialogue while dealing with these challenges.

Firstly, Mr Juncker mentioned the development and achievements of the European continent since the Second World War and strongly condemned the tendencies of the Euroscepticism in some Member states. According to his opinion, the most appreciated value has the lasting peace, which is not only beneficial for the Europe, but for the whole world. Another important historical event, which was reminded, was the fall of the Iron Curtain, which finished the division of the continent into west and east and enabled the establishment of the Single Market. Speaking about the Single Market, the issues relating to the Brexit were mentioned as well and the need for the Great Britain to accept all its aspects were confirmed.

Secondly, the relationship with Turkey and its perspective of future membership was discussed as well. The European Commission President supported further talks with the country, as it plays important role in Europe, stressed the importance of rule of law and reassured the waiver of visa requirements based on fulfilling the conditions. Furthermore, the criticism of bureaucracy and its combating, recent terroristic attacks, influx of immigrants, external borders and possibility of creating common army forces were talked about too.

Although being the smallest continent, Europe is losing on the others mainly in economic development and demographic changes. That is the reason, why the Common Foreign and Security policy shows itself even more essential to consolidate European Union's position in the world.

• Primary Source

European Forum: Blog (ND): Juncker slaps down Austrian “Muftis” call for tighter EU borders http://www.alpbach.org/alpbuzz/juncker-slaps-austrian-muftis-call-tighter-eu-borders/

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