Juncker: Balkans offer reliable prospects for EU integration

European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker has delivered his annual speech about the Union's situation before the MEPs of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, in which he has spoken about his vision of the future of the EU.

He also cited enlargement in this speech, saying that “if we want peace in the neighbourhood, we must keep reliable enlargement prospects for Western Balkan countries”.

He reiterated there would be no expansion until the end of his mandate, because none of the candidate countries would be ready for membership. But in the years following that mandate, according to him, the European Union will have more than 27 members, as there are currently.

Juncker is reminded that candidate states must meet the criteria, especially those related to rule of law and fundamental rights. This, according to him, means that Turkey cannot become an EU member in the near future, because it does not respect the values of freedom and rule of law. He invited Turkey to release all European journalists he holds in custody, but all other journalists as well. He has also invited Turkey to cease charges of fascism against the European Union member states.

The president of the European Commission, speaking of the departure of Great Britain from the EU, said this state would regret such a move. He said the spring of 2019, when Britain would have to leave the EU, will be a tragic date. But, he added, Europe and the 27 member states will use this opportunity to build a clear European Union future.

Juncker extended the invitation for more solidarity about migration and invited all those who do not meet EU housing conditions to return to their countries. He invited member states to exchange data more quickly for foreign fighters and terrorism suspects.

To have more efficiency in common foreign policy The EU should also have several areas where decisions on the Council will be adopted by qualified majority and not only by consensus.