Jean-Claude Juncker Quotes

Powerful Jean-Claude Juncker for Daily Growth

About Jean-Claude Juncker

Jean-Claude Juncker (born December 9, 1954) is a prominent European politician who has served as the President of the European Commission from November 2014 to November 2019. Born in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, he studied law at the University of Luxembourg and later moved to Germany for further education at the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. His political career began in 1979 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in Luxembourg. He held several ministerial positions within his native country, including Finance Minister from 1984 to 2013. During this time, he also served as Prime Minister of Luxembourg for three separate terms. Juncker's significant influence on European politics began in 1995 when he was appointed President of the Eurogroup, a position he held until 2004. In 2005, he became the longest-serving President of the European Commission, holding the office for two consecutive terms (2004-2014). As President of the European Commission, Juncker played a crucial role in shaping the European Union's (EU) response to the Eurozone crisis and pushing forward the EU-U.S. Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen the democratic legitimacy of the Commission and to promote further integration within the EU. Notable quotes from Jean-Claude Juncker include, "When it becomes serious, you have to lie," spoken in 1997 during a discussion about the European Central Bank. Another quote, "There can be no democratic choice against the European treaties," reflects his belief in the importance of EU integration. Despite criticism, Juncker's influence on European politics continues to resonate.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"When it becomes serious, you have to lie."

This quote suggests that in times of gravity or crisis, one may feel compelled to deceive or mislead, likely for reasons of preserving oneself or others from harm, maintaining order, or protecting sensitive information. However, it's important to note that this approach is ethically questionable as honesty and transparency are generally considered fundamental principles in any relationship or situation. The quote highlights a conflict between pragmatism and integrity, emphasizing the potential need for dishonesty in certain serious situations.


"There is no political way to justice. There is only the way of law."

Jean-Claude Juncker's statement "There is no political way to justice. There is only the way of law" emphasizes that true and lasting justice cannot be achieved through political manipulation or power plays, but rather through the impartial application of the law. It underscores the importance of upholding legal principles and institutions as a foundation for a fair and just society, where everyone is treated equally under the rule of law. In essence, this quote encourages adherence to legal processes over political expediency in the pursuit of justice.


"We will always remember what a great European was able to achieve in times of crisis: nothing."

Jean-Claud Juncker's quote emphasizes that greatness in Europe, or any political entity for that matter, is not demonstrated by achieving nothing during a crisis. Instead, it suggests that the true measure of leadership lies in navigating challenging times effectively. In other words, when faced with adversity, if no progress or change occurs, it signifies a lack of meaningful action and, consequently, lackluster leadership. This quote serves as a call to action for leaders to rise above challenges and bring about positive change during crises rather than stagnating and achieving nothing.


"The European Union is our past, our present and our future."

This quote by Jean-Claude Juncker emphasizes that the European Union (EU) plays a pivotal role in shaping the history, current circumstances, and aspirations of its member states. In other words, it is not just an institution built upon past agreements or political alliances; it is also a living entity that influences the present situations of its members, and will continue to do so in the future as a symbol of unity and cooperation among European nations.


"When it comes to Greece, there can be no democratic debate."

This quote by Jean-Claude Juncker implies a lack of open discussion or compromise in the European Union's approach towards Greece during a particular period, suggesting that the EU leadership considered Greece as non-negotiable on certain issues. It suggests a top-down, authoritative approach rather than one based on democratic debate and mutual understanding, which can lead to tension and resistance. The quote highlights the need for dialogue and respect for democratic processes in international relations.


The European family may well be anything but perfect. But it is the best thing that we have for bringing the countries of Europe around the same table and for forging compromises so that people here can live in peace, freedom, and prosperity.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Perfect, Here, May, Compromises

In a union of equals, there can be no second-class consumers. I will not accept that in some parts of Europe, people are sold food of lower quality than in other countries, despite the packaging and branding being identical.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Some, Other, Identical, Packaging

However painful or regrettable Brexit may be, it will not stop the E.U. as it moves to the future; we need to move forward.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

May, Move, However, Move Forward

Forgetting the importance of national landscapes, cultures, national behaviours, reactions, and reflexes is a big, big mistake.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Mistake, Big, Landscapes, Reflexes

The populists themselves are dangerous, but they are far more dangerous when the traditional, classic parties adopt their harmful proposals.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

More, Dangerous, Traditional, Harmful

The rule of law means that law and justice are upheld by an independent judiciary. The judgments of the European Court of Justice have to be respected by all. To undermine them, or to undermine the independence of national courts, is to strip citizens of their fundamental rights. The rule of law is not optional in the European Union. It is a must.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Independent, Rule, Courts, Upheld

The European Union has decades of experience in overcoming crises and has always emerged stronger after.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Stronger, Always, Crises, Overcoming

We shouldn't persuade people that we can simply conjure up the sun and the moon: at the most, we can deliver a telescope.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Moon, Deliver, Most, Conjure

The Luxembourg financial centre is based on several pillars, we are characterised by the breadth of our product range, we are an active participant in the international credit business.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Product, Pillars, Based, International

In 1913 many believed that there would never again be a war in Europe. The great powers of the continent were so closely intertwined economically that the view was widespread that they could no longer afford to have military confrontations.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Could, Closely, Continent, Powers

This was a continent of divisions, of wars, of conflicts, of divergences, differences... When I am in Asia, in Africa, people admire what we have managed to do. Europe is beautiful seen from other continents.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Other, Africa, Continent, Conflicts

I am strictly against a European superstate.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

I Am, Against, European, Strictly

Being described as a stupid bureaucrat with no link to representative democracy is difficult to take.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Stupid, Link, Take, Bureaucrat

It is not acceptable that European Union countries are divided into those who give and those who take.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Give, Acceptable, Take, European Union

As complicated and complex and as difficult as we are, the unity of Europe is a pre-condition for a better organized world, and if the European Union would fail or decompose, or other members left, the U.S. would have a more difficult role to play in the world.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Play, Other, Role, European Union

God understands more about the financial markets than many who write about them.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Financial, More, Markets, Understands

If someone complains about Europe from Monday to Saturday, then nobody is going to believe him on Sunday when he says he is a convinced European.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Saturday, Going, European, Complains

I have met in my life two big destroyers: Gorbachev, who destroyed the Soviet Union, and Cameron, who destroyed the United Kingdom to some extent, even if there is no wave of Scotland to become independent.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

My Life, Big, Extent, Gorbachev

Europe must not distance itself from Africa's universal ambitions.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Distance, Africa, Itself, Universal

I believe that if we don't offer legal ways of emigrating to Europe and immigrating within Europe, we will be lost. If those who come - who are, generally speaking, the poor and needy - are no longer able to enter the house of Europe through the front door, they'll keep making their way in through the back windows.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Door, Through, Back, Enter

Of course Brexit means that something is wrong in Europe. But Brexit means also that something was wrong in Britain.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Course, Means, Britain, Europe

The populists are spreading slogans. We have to offer solutions and answers.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Solutions, Offer, Slogans, Spreading

My main concern is to protect people from detriment.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Protect, Detriment, Main, Concern

I am against nationalists, but I am very much in favour of patriots.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

I Am, Against, Very, Favour

Our idea is to make the U.K. a privileged partner of the E.U.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Idea, Privileged, Our, Partner

I am not a dwarf.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

I Am, Am, Dwarf

We do not attract Russian money to Luxembourg with high interest rates.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Money, High, Russian, Interest Rates

Anyone who believes that the eternal question of war and peace in Europe is no longer there risks being deeply mistaken.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

War, Question, Being, Mistaken

From the very beginning, Europe has been not only a success story but also a story of success achieved by learning.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Beginning, Been, Very, Success Story

Europe has to be about more than market, goods, and money.

- Jean-Claude Juncker

Money, More, Market, Goods

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