As part of a series of debates and dialogues taking place across the Union on the future of Europe, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker participated in a Citizens’ Dialogue yesterday in Malta, together with Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat, as well as Commissioner Karmenu Vella.
He answered questions from participants on a wide range issues from the foreign policy of the Union, to agriculture, the Juncker Plan and the fight against terrorism. Discussing with participants the opportunities the EU offers and how the Union should develop in the years to come, the President underlined that “we have to show that we are able to deliver”.
President Juncker reiterated the Commission’s commitment to the Paris Climate deal, underlining that Europe remains proud to be a world leader in the fight against climate change, whilst others step away from their commitments. Asked about what the EU can do to make its citizens feel safe, President Juncker replied “I do think that the European Union as a concept, as a construction, as a history is a guarantee against war and a guarantee for peace”.
Speaking of the opening of the Brexit negotiations, President Juncker declared that citizens must come first: “It is citizens first – those Europeans living in the UK and the British people living in other countries of the European Union”.
The Citizens’ Dialogue also covered the upcoming proposal on the European Pillar of Social Rights, which the European Commission is set to present in April. A recording of President Juncker’s Citizens’ Dialogue is available here.
