Better together Quote by Jean-Claude Juncker
“Since it took up office, the Commission which I lead has pursued a clear policy: we need less interference from Brussels when it comes to the things that Member States can deal with better on their own. That is why we no longer regulate oil cans or showerheads, but concentrate instead on what we can do better together rather than alone - such as tackling the refugee crisis or securing our external borders. Only in that way can we make people feel that Europe makes a tangible difference.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: European Commission State of the Union, 2015
The EU should limit its regulations to matters best handled collectively, leaving local issues to member states, to show tangible benefits to citizens.
In simple terms: EU focuses on shared challenges, not local details.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize collective action over micromanagement.
Themes
EU governance
subsidiarity
solidarity
policy focus
Mood
pragmatic
determined
concerned
Type
political
policy
strategic
When to use this quote
- refugee crisis management
- border security
- regional cooperation
- regulatory reform
Key Concepts
Integration
shared sovereignty
efficiency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can the EU respect national differences while acting together?
- What are the risks of over‑centralizing policy?
A Different Perspective
Balancing national autonomy with EU-wide solutions can be politically contentious.
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