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Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Juncker expressed unhappy surprise that Brexit would once again be a subject of conversation at an EU leaders' summit this week — this time as a result of May's decision to delay a ratification vote that had been scheduled for Tuesday evening.
Juncker also forcefully defended the so-called "backstop" provision on the Ireland-Northern Ireland border which has been the focus of opposition among British MPs.
The Commission president's blunt remarks, echoing comments on Monday by European Council President Donald Tusk raised questions about how any so-called "assurances" that May might receive this week in Brussels will change the dynamic in London. It essentially means more than 100 MPs would have to shift their position based on the thinnest veneer of political stagecraft, or May will still not have the votes.
"There is a surprise guest at the European Council, which is Brexit," Juncker said in the plenary of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. "I am surprised because we had reached an agreement on the 25th of November, together with the government of the United Kingdom."
"The deal we have achieved is the best deal possible — it's the only deal possible," Juncker declared, pausing as applause echoed through the plenary. "So there is no room whatsoever for renegotiation."
"But there is room," Juncker added, "to give further clarifications." [...]