After nearly three hours of intense debate with European Commission President-designate, Jean-Claude Juncker, Manfred Weber, Chairman of the EPP Group, expressed the Group's full support for Juncker officially taking over the job next week.

"It is important for Europe to get back to work on a platform of strong reform. Jean-Claude Juncker made it clear today that, under his leadership, the European Commission will be ambitious, with a clear agenda. We are certain there will be a large majority in favour of Juncker in the European Parliament next week."

"The election of the new Commission President will be a milestone for Europe. It will bring more transparency and more democracy into the European political arena. The election of Jean-Claude Juncker is the first of the EPP successes for the next 5 years. The next steps are to pursue reforms."