Jean-Claude Juncker was born in 1954 in the duchyLuxembourg, one of the smallest European states. Junker himself felt the consequences of the war, since during the Second World War his father was forced to join the German army.
Where did he get an education?
В годы своей юности Юнкер учился в трёх различных countries. He received his primary education in Belvaux (Luxembourg), attended high school in the Belgian Clerfontaine, but in the end he returned to his homeland and passed the exams for a certificate in Luxembourg. In 1975, he entered the law faculty of the University of Strasbourg in France. Exactly on schedule, in 1979, the future President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, received a diploma. This proves that he was a very smart guy who, among other things, also spoke at least five different languages.
What did he do after 1979?
Это было очень давно, однако даже тогда господин Juncker showed a penchant for politics. Instead of going to work in a law firm, he offered his knowledge of the Christian Social People’s Party (CPSS) and in 1982, at the age of 28, he was appointed Secretary of State for Labor and Social Security. Obviously, Juncker already showed himself to be a hardworking politician, so two years later he was appointed to the post of Minister of Labor. In 1989, Juncker accepted the duties of finance minister, and he liked it so much that he retained this post until 2009. In January 1995, Jean-Claude Juncker became the Prime Minister of Luxembourg. He held this position until December 2013, for almost 19 years, during which he won successively in three general elections and was the head of four coalitions (with liberals or socialists, depending on the situation). From this we can conclude that he coped well with his duties.
Did he have any mistakes?
Of course, sometimes he also became a figurantscandals, and as a result of one of them even lost the premier’s seat. This happened after information leaked to the press about the illegal tapping of phones by representatives of the local establishment, organized by the Luxembourg secret services (there are, it turns out, such). The officers of the special services transmitted the received information to Yunker, but at the same time they were so impudent that they overheard him too. This did not prevent him from running for re-election, as a result he received more votes than anyone else. However, this time the prime minister failed to reach an agreement with the socialists and the liberals, who concluded a deal between themselves behind his back.
What did he do for Europe?
Мы уже знаем, что Юнкер является довольно hardworking person. When it comes to Europe, he works with double force and seems ready to throw all his energy to defend his convictions. The fact that he simultaneously held the posts of Prime Minister and Minister of Finance made him an expert on all matters taking place in Brussels, which means in the European Council and at meetings of the Council of Ministers of Economy. In his 25 years as minister and prime minister, Jean-Claude Juncker survived the signing of four fundamental agreements, one draft constitution (rejected), a technology bubble, several world and many European crises, sixteen new states joining the European Union, the birth of a single currency. And to all this, he put his hand.
Economy
Junker deserved a lot of praise for his work inCouncil of Ministers of Finance and Economy of the European Union (ECOFIN). He was one of the founders of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU, the predecessor of the euro), as well as the Stability and Growth Pact. Juncker for eight years was the head of the Eurogroup, the meeting of European finance ministers. In December 1996, at the European Council meeting in Dublin, he was a key mediator in all matters relating to the implementation in the coming years of the Stability and Growth Pact (GSP), created by German Finance Minister Theo Weigel. In fact, it is a list of all the pros and cons for states wishing to join the eurozone. It was assumed that compliance with all requirements will be supervised by a special commission, but a few years later it turned out that this process is becoming more and more like the case where the blind supervises other blind people.
In January 2013 Junker handed over his postDutch Finance Minister Jörn Düesselblum (it is said that the moist Brussels air was then filled with the sad sounds of a guitar and voices singing about leaving friends who carry with them a bit of your soul).
Policy
Будучи членом Совета министров финансов (ECOFIN), Jean-Claude Juncker first became known as a global political figure when he led the preparation of the Maastricht Treaty. Officially, it was called the "Treaty on European Union" and was approved at a meeting of the Council of Europe in Maastricht in December 1991, signed in February 1992 and entered into force on November 1, 1993.
Later he continued to move in that directionworking on the Amsterdam Treaty (a logical continuation of the Maastricht) and at the same time engaging in the Luxembourg process, the purpose of which was to supplement existing practices and financial agreements with social integration schemes with a focus on job creation.
What was his role during the crisis?
Throughout this economic drama JunkerHe played the role of a "good guy." As chairman of the Eurogroup, he was one of the key figures in developing aid programs and financial funds used to stabilize the euro. Usually this was done through the so-called Frankfurt Group - an informal meeting of financial officials and, according to some, the real shadow authority in the EU.
Working in this group, Junker kept alooffrom adherents of the strictest and most dogmatic views, he actively collaborated with those who advocate a combination of rigor and growth, and was also worried about the widening gap between the economies of northern and southern countries.
That is why in December 2010, he, together withItalian Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti, on behalf of the heads of 27 states that at the time were members of the EU, put forward a proposal to grant the European debt agency the right to issue bonds (the famous Eurobonds). The agency must assume the responsibilities of the European Foundation for Financial Stability - a mechanism established to rescue states in crisis situations and is completely dependent on voluntary contributions from the governments of the participating countries.
Who appointed him?
Jean-Claude Juncker was chosen by the people. All major European parties nominate candidates for the European Parliament, and Jean-Claude Juncker topped the People’s Party list.
Сказать, что Юнкер никогда не уклоняется от work will be a very big understatement. Immediately after the election, the new chairman gave a speech on the intended goals. He simultaneously demonstrated his oratorical skills and acknowledged the mistakes he had made before, comparing measures taken in Europe during the crisis with “repairing a burning plane right in the air.” Simply put, Jean-Claude Juncker stated that ultimately the crash was avoided, but the dangerous edge was very close and some things simply could not be done better. He further stressed that the success of future European politics largely depends on restoring citizens' confidence and overcoming the problems that society and the economy of Europe face.
Will he cope with the tasks?
Guessing is useless here, so justConsider Juncker’s qualities as a politician. Before him stands the most difficult task, which requires a strong determination and iron will. Juncker has already proved that he has these qualities that complement his commitment to the ideas of European federalism.
Если Юнкеру понадобится помощь, он всегда сможет get it from their like-minded and party comrades who will help find solutions to a multitude of accumulated problems. This is especially true of the social sphere, where the European Union needs to make significant progress in the near future.
Most likely, the head of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, is the very person who can achieve the maximum result, but his path will definitely not be covered with roses.
