Merkel reaffirms support for Juncker as chairman European Commission

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday showed support for Jean-Claude Juncker as the ” leading candidate ” to head the European Commission, to be designated by the European People’s Party, the most voted in the last election. It has done after meeting in Harpsund (Sweden) with three other center-right European leaders critical of the former Luxembourg prime minister: David Cameron (British Prime Minister), Mark Rutte (Dutch Prime Minister), and Fredrik Reinfeldt (Swedish prime minister).

“The focus of the meeting has not been on people, but on the content,” Merkel stressed at a joint press conference. German Chancellor did not want to go into more speculation and has appealed to the “European spirit” to reach an agreement.

However, Merkel has launched a veiled warning to her British counterpart, stating that: “The threats are not the right means to use here.” She was referring to the words of Cameron, a few days ago said that his country would leave the European Union if Juncker elected. Cameron has denied having used threats and has only said that he has simply pointed out that if the federalist Luxembourg chairs the Commission will be more difficult than in the referendum to be held in 2017 the British vote “yes” to living in the EU.

The four leaders have ensured that the meetings held has focused on the content of reforms, not names, referring to the controversy over the possible election of Juncker as chairman of the Commission. “There have been too many statements in recent days, we have to return to responsible way,” said the German chancellor.

Cameron has reiterated his displeasure with the new process, which sets the final decision on appointments to the European Parliament, and has stated that, in his opinion, should be the leaders of the EU and not the Parliament who elect the Commission President.

The four European leaders agreed on the need to reform the structure of the internal market, improving competitiveness, invest in the services sector and digital economy to create jobs and free trade agreements with other economies. Have also been shown to promote mobility of individuals within the EU, but introducing limitations to avoid what Merkel and Cameron have called “abuses” by foreigners in the welfare systems of each country.

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Posted by Maleeha Tareen on Jun 11 2014. Filed under Europe, Latest News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.