National borders are 'the worst invention ever', says EC chief Jean-Claude Juncker
'Borders are the worst invention ever made by politicians,' Juncker says, adding more must be done for refugees and their children
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
National borders are "the worst invention ever", European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has claimed.
The comments by Brussels' top official were dismissed by Theresa May, whose spokeswoman said "it is not something that the Prime Minister would agree with".
Mr Juncker's remark comes as nations across Europe have looked to tighten their borders in response to the growing migrant crisis which has threatened to overwhelm some countries.
He made the comments to the European Forum Alpbach, according to its website.
The website said he told the audience: "Borders are the worst invention ever made by politicians", and said solidarity must be given to refugees and their children.
Responding to the comments, Mrs May's official spokeswoman said: "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.
"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."
Mr Juncker also said Brexit was not a pretty moment, and one which the EU must overcome, according to the website's report.
He said: "In the concentration of globalisation and European problems, we must not lose our way."
It comes as the leaders of Germany, France and Italy - Europe's three biggest countries - meet on Monday to discuss the way forward for the EU in the wake of Britain's historic decision to leave.
German chancellor Angela Merkel, the French president Francois Hollande and Italy's prime minister Matteo Renzi are meeting on the Italian island of Ventotene for talks.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments