Brexit is a chance to create a closer EU and an expanded eurozone
Brexit is seen as an aid to healing divisions between eastern and western states
Strasbourg — European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker urged EU governments on Wednesday to use economic recovery and Brexit as springboards towards a closer union, built on an expanded eurozone and a pivotal role in world trade. In his annual state of the EU speech, Juncker sketched out a vision of a post-2019 EU where some 30 countries would be using the euro, with an EU finance minister running key budgets to help states in trouble. Tax and welfare standards would converge and Europe, not the US, would be the hub of a free-trading world. Juncker stressed his wish to heal divisions between eastern and western states. He sees this as vital to countering a drive, including by founding powers France and Germany, to set up new structures within the bloc that would exclude some poorer, former communist members in the east. "The wind is back in Europe’s sails," Junker told the European parliament, citing economic growth and the easing of a succession of crises — Greek debt, refugee ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.