On 18 February 2016, Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EC, and Martin Schulz, President of the EP, held a press point, in the EC Berlaymont building, ahead of the European Council in Brussels. Among other issues, they talked about the national border controls, that certain Member States want to put back in place, and about the question of the Brexit.

Brussels

press point

JUNCKER, Jean-Claude (LU)

SCHULZ, Martin (S&D, DE)

European Council meeting 18-19 February 2016 (T)

Joint press briefing by Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, and Martin SCHULZ, President of the EP: extracts

Exterior view of the EC Berlaymont building in Brussels

Arrival of Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission (EC), and Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament (EP)

SOUNDBITE by Jean-Claude Juncker (in GERMAN) saying that as regards the refugee crisis, a matter on which we have regularly exchanged views, the key point for the European Commission is to put into place what we have decided regarding the distribution of refugees among the 28 Member States. This decision remains in force. The Council ministers have made this decision and the European Parliament has made a very important contribution.

SOUNDBITE by Martin Schulz (in GERMAN) saying that, at the moment, we will be dealing with a decisive issue for EU politics. The UK has expressed certain issues to improve the EU and we are prepared to take some of those on board. It is not often said but I would like to stress that when we are talking about more effectiveness, more competitiveness, more transparency, in inter-institutional agreements, a lot of things the UK demands are already contained in our agreements.

SOUNDBITE by Martin Schulz (in GERMAN) saying that, as European Parliament, we have a great interest in ensuring the UK to remain a member of the EU. Together we are stronger and we will work constructively to ensure that what is agreed is actually put into legislative form in the EU.

SOUNDBITE by Jean-Claude Juncker (in ENGLISH): As the European Commission we do not like national border controls. I do not follow this general trend for having more and more of national border controls. This is happening because we are lacking a European approach; as always I will advocate for a European approach and as far as Austria is concerned, I do not like this decision and we are questioning if this is in line with the EU law. I will have a friendly discussion with the Austrian Chancellor this afternoon.

SOUNDBITE by Jean-Claude Juncker (in ENGLISH): [On Brexit] I am confident, we will have a deal during this European Council. We have to sort out a certain number of questions and I am convinced Great Britain will be a constructive and active member of the EU.