Jean-Claude Juncker today claimed secure borders were “the worst invention ever” in remarks that deepened the divide between the Brussels chief and other European leaders.
His outburst came as German leader Angela Merkel was holding a summit with France’s François Hollande and Italy’s Matteo Renzi with the migrant crisis high on the agenda.
Germany and other countries are having to tighten border controls after experiencing chaos from the flood of people trying to enter Europe.
But Mr Juncker, president of the European Commission, speaking at Alpbach Media Academy, called for the opening of all borders, saying: “Borders are the worst invention ever made by politicians.”
British diplomats were amazed that Mr Juncker appeared to be heading in the opposite direction to most elected leaders who have been alarmed by public unease over security and immigration in the borderless zone.
One British official said: “Theresa May would certainly not agree with him.”
The summit with Mrs Merkel, Mr Renzi and Mr Hollande was being staged to agree how to respond to the UK’s Brexit vote. The trio are likely to press Britain to spell out the sort of relationship it wants with the EU and to start the formal exit process by June at the latest.
