European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker gave his annual State of the EU speech before Parliament in Strasbourg with a positive vision for Europe's future.

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Juncker's State of the EU: “The wind is back in Europe's sails”

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/17950764/N01-PUB-170913-SOTE-EN.srt

the annual State of the European Union address was delivered 

Europe's economy is finally bouncing back.

The EU is on its fifth year of economic recovery, 

and eurozone unemployment is at a nine-year low.

Europe is open for business but must always defend its strategic interests.

but we also want to protect our core industries 

We say yes to transparency on trade treaties,

but we must first protect the interests of our citizens.

In essence, free trade that respects Europe's social standards 

EU growth plans don't create jobs. It's businesses that create jobs. ##@# 

Eight million jobs have been created since Juncker took office, 

there was not a hint of self-criticism on the effects of austerity policies 

Policies that have been criticised for making it harder for people to make ends meet. ##@# 

can only be the road where there's more democracy left for the people.

As Europe continues to plot its way forward, 

come March 2019, there will be one less member state. ##@# 

All I can say is thank God we're leaving. 

But you've learned nothing from Brexit. ##@# 

But recent election victories of pro-EU politicians 

have ignited a newfound zeal to reform Europe 

into one that's more attuned to the needs of its citizens.

It's now the moment, now or never, I should say like in the song, 

to build up the European Union that people are asking for.

to making the EU grow, making it better, 

and working with the other institutions to accomplish all necessary reforms. ##@# 

The main political groups welcomed Juncker's call 

for a union of freedom, equality and rule of law.