Schulz on the election of Jean-Claude Juncker as President of the European Commission

Commenting on the election of Jean-Claude Juncker i as President of the European Commission, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz i stated:

"This is an historic day in the continuing process of developing a true European democracy. Today we have witnessed the conclusion and acceptance of a process that, despite the scepticism it received initially, gave European citizens a direct say in the nomination of the top executive post in the European Union.

This process irreversibly strengthens parliamentarism in Europe and it will change the EU by establishing a direct link between the outcome of the European elections and the choice of the President of the European Commission.

Jean-Claude Juncker has received a strong mandate from the European Parliament. The Parliament will be his partner during his mandate if he tackles Europe's most daunting issues head-down.

Mr Juncker must lead the reform process to turn around joblessness, weak growth, social exclusion and the erosion of solidarity. The European Parliament will ensure that Juncker's action lives up to the responsibility which has been bestowed upon him."