Head of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said the European Union (EU) does not aim at keeping United Kingdom (UK) but instead wants to have discussion over better future ties after the Brexit deal gets approved by the UK parliament, it focused on its unity ahead of British Prime Minister Theresa May election.
According to news reports, Juncker said: “It is being insinuated that our aim is to keep the United Kingdom in the EU by all possible means. That is not our intention. All we want is clarity about our future relations. And we respect the result of the referendum.”
Jucker said the EU was ready to have a negotiation with a new deal with the Britain as soon as the UK parliament approves May proposed Brexit deal. The vote on the divorce deal is due in the weak of 2019.
He said, “And then tell us what it is you want.” Jucker added, “I am working on the assumption that it will leave, because that is what the people of the United Kingdom have decided.” Juncker further said, “That is for the British to decide.” Jucker said he is seeking closely the US President Donald Trump on trade.
Referring tensioin between Washington and the EU over car tariffs, Juncker said: “I trust him for as long as he keeps his word. And if he no longer keeps it, then I will no longer feel bound by my word either.”
He claimed EU citizens are growing apart, which raised as another issue to tackle before Brexit deal election in May. He said, “We have to ensure that these rifts do not become too deep.”
“We must not imply that the populists are right … they are just loud and do not have any specific proposals to offer on solving the challenges of our time.”
Jucker stated European have to stand united “in combating the trolls and hacker groups from China or Russia”, who sought to sway the European vote.