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Juncker says EU deal with UK fair, balanced

Xinhua, February 24, 2016 Adjust font size:

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker here on Wednesday told the European Parliament that the latest deal made between the European Union (EU) and Britain on EU's reforms is fair and balanced.

"The UK Prime Minister got the most he could obtain and the other member states offered him as much as they could offer," said Juncker, adding that the deal complies with the great principles of the EU and takes into account the concerns, desires and suggestions of the United Kingdom.

"I therefore think that the British people who throughout history have proven their wisdom and courage time and time again will say yes to the arrangements that we have concluded with the UK," said Juncker.

Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk on Wednesday attended a plenary debate at the European Parliament.

Parliament's political group leaders will react to the EU-UK reform deal reached at the EU summit and comment on the changes conceded by EU leaders to the UK as well as their consequences for the EU as a whole.

British Prime Minister David Cameron on Saturday announced that Britain will hold a referendum on June 23 to allow people to reach a decision.

The announcement was made a day after British and EU leaders reached a deal on Britain's "special status" in the bloc. Enditem