In his “State of the Union” speech before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Jean- Claude Juncker unveiled an ambitious program aimed at putting the EU back on track after Brexit and other recent challenges. <br /><br />The commission president wants more EU on banks and the economy and transparency on trade. <br /><br />He also openly ruled out any chance of enlargement to include Turkey, but wants Romania and Bulgaria to be included in Schengen as soon as possible.<br /><br />“To be part of a union which is based on the rule of law includes accepting final court decisions and respecting them.”<br /><br />Juncker praised the EU for its management of the migrant situation.<br /><br />He wants steps taken to deal with those who do not need to be protected. <br /><br />“At the end of the month, the commission will present a new series of propositions centred on returns, solidarity with North Africa and the opening of legal migration routes. Concerning returns, I would like to repeat that people who have no right to stay in Europe must return to their countries of origin.”<br /><br />Talking finance, Juncker said plans are afoot for a finance minister for the eurozone.<br /><br />“The European economics and finance minister shall coordinate all financial instruments at the EU’s disposal which have to be brought into play if a member state is in recession or faced with a fundamental crisis.”<br /><br />The Commission president said member states would be sad to see the EU leave – but warned UK citizens that they will come to regret their decision.<br /><br />“We must respect the will of the British people, but we will move on, we will move on because Brexit is not the end, Brexit is not the future of Europe.”<br />