Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, consider borders the “worst invention” politicians ever created and called for countries to open them up to refugees.
Juncker, the European Union’s most powerful official, discussed the refugee crisis and the rise of nationalism in Europe Monday during the opening of the European Forum Alpbach in Austria. As more countries close their borders to refugees, Juncker wants more solidarity.
“Borders are the worst invention ever made by politicians,” Juncker said. “Solidarity must be given to refugees and their children.”
British Prime Minister Theresa May hit back at Juncker’s words, saying her country needs more control of its borders.
“It is not something that the Prime Minister would agree with and, indeed, you have heard the Prime Minister talk about the views that the British people expressed in the referendum,” a spokesperson for May told The Telegraph. “The British people think that borders are important, having more control over our borders is important, and that is an issue we need to address.”
Juncker further addressed the rise of nationalism in Europe, which has contributed to protectionist policies across the continent.
“We have to fight against nationalism, we have the duty not to follow populists but to block the avenue of populists,” Juncker said.
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