On Wednesday 9 May, Europe Day, the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker visited the Flemish Parliament. Juncker talked about the proposals for the European budget after 2020 that the Commission launched on 2 May. Strikingly, he started his speech in Dutch. This way, he wanted to pay tribute to the Flemings and to acknowledge the fact that the Fleming finds his identity in his language. This was particularly appreciated by Flemish Minister-President Bourgeois. Bourgeois also considered Juncker’s visit as a recognition of the status of Flanders within the European Union.
Minister-president Bourgeois mentioned the importance of defending fundamental norms and values within the EU: "The Enlightenment ideals are the genes of the European Union. Respect for these norms, values, fundamental rights and freedoms is what binds us and what underpins and strengthens the Union. They make our "European Way of Life" possible. But those who thought that democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms are an achievement, are proven wrong in recent years. The examples are known, even in our own backyard." As far as the European budget after 2020 is concerned, Bourgeois stated that the priorities in the Commission's proposals are mainly shared by the Government of Flanders, such as research and development, digitization, Erasmus, defense, security and more efficient management of European external borders. The question remains whether the Union can also sufficiently commit to the realization of a digital, energy and transport union.
After the parliamentary debate Bourgeois and Juncker had a bilateral meeting where they discussed the Brexit.