OPINION

EU insider at the helm

Luxembourg’s Jean-Claude Juncker was approved Tuesday as the next president of the European Commission, winning the backing of European lawmakers to head the EU’s powerful executive for the next five years.

Support came mostly from the groups and parties that represent the pro-European Union forces in the 25-member bloc. Juncker appears to be the best choice for these people, as he is a committed Europeanist who never hesitates to speak his mind in the face of Europe’s big governments.

Also important is the fact that the next Commission president has good inside knowledge of the institutions and mechanisms in Brussels. He says he is determined to fight for growth and reduce unemployment across the continent.

It has to be said that Juncker, who played a key role as head of the Eurogroup during the eurozone debt crisis, has always maintained a positive stance toward Greece.

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