Not until the 10th out of Jean-Claude Juncker’s 11-page 2017 state-of-the-union speech to the European Parliament on 13 September did he mention the word Brexit. And, even then, only in very few words. But Juncker’s closing words, ‘on 30 March 2019, we will be a union of 27’, reflect a clear shift in terms of looking beyond Brexit negotiations.
Such is the view from the president of the European Commission. But what are Europeans talking about among themselves? Well, first of all, they are glad that Europe is stronger institutionally than it was before the crisis. And economically, as well, Europe looks more solid than it has done for years.
Read more detail here about the factors underpinning institutional and economic progress in the EU.
