Top officials in Britain and the European Union say they are optimistic about striking a deal next month on reforms aimed discouraging Britain from leaving the 28-nation bloc.
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“We’re running the risk of major reputation damage worldwide”, Juncker said Friday in a Brussels press conference that dwelt on the cascade of crises – from immigration and Britain’s potential exit from the European Union to political small-mindedness – that he said bedevil the EU.
Admitting that there was a tough battle ahead, Juncker said he would not give up seeking a solution to prevent member states from reintroducing border controls within Schengen.
He added: “All of these are very, very difficult issues that we have to work hard in these days to come to common, not only ideas, but agreements”.
However, Italy is now blocking a multi-billion euro fund for Syrian refugees in Turkey, insisting the money be paid entirely from European Union coffers rather than by member countries.
The Chancellor said the “essential pieces” of Prime Minister David Cameron’s push to secure a reformed relationship to persuade voters to back continued membership were falling into place.
Italian Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said Friday that the EU must explore “further ways to make better use of the European budget resources before requesting national contributions” for the fund.
“There’s no second vote”, he told the BBC.
Still, there was growing optimism on both sides of the Channel a deal could be brokered.
Outlining his priorities for the New Year, Juncker vowed not to abandon his plans to relocate thousands of asylum seekers from Italy and Greece that were finally approved in October despite opposition from several eastern European capitals. He also dismissed suggestions made by London Mayor Boris Johnson, among others that a referendum vote to leave could trigger negotiations on re-entry under different terms. Mr Faull said there are a “range of possibilities” over the final status of the deal, depending on the substance of what is agreed.
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“Without the freedom of movement of workers, without the freedom of the citizen to travel, the euro makes no sense”, Juncker said.
