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The EU chief, who began speaking at 8am this morning, set out his 12-month masterplan to steer the troubled bloc through the escalating refugee crisis and reform the eurozone. The European Commission president refused to make Brexit the defining issue of his address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg as he instead focused on the EU’s future without Britain. Keen to push ahead with his masterplan, billed as the biggest reboot in the EU’s history, Mr Juncker ratcheted-up the federalisation of the 60-year-old bloc’s core economies. The Brussels boss has also called for EU integration in the face of rising populism after Britain voted to sever ties with the bloc ahead of crunch elections in Italy, Sweden, Hungary and the Czech Republic, where eurosceptic parties are gaining momentum. It appears Jean-Claude Juncker is keen to make his mark in the EU as his five-year term as European Commission president expires in 2019 with a grand masterplan to rebuild the bloc, left in tatters after Britain’s momentous decision to leave. Mr Juncker this morning announced the European Commission would begin negotiations with Australia and New Zealand for new trade deals. The Commonwealth nations are already tipped to become the first targets of trade deals with Britain after Brexit. Follow Express.co.uk here for live updates on Juncker's big addresss...

GETTY Juncker is delivering a speech in Strasbourg

11:11am: Juncker has wrapped up his speech by responding to his EU members But it was short and sweet as the EU boss revealed he was suffering with sciatica. He confirmed the commission would look towards creating more legislation to address social issues before making his excuses to leave. 10:52am: Greek MEP Maria Spyraki took a swipe at the EU members that are failing to take on their responsibility during the EU migrant crisis She said: “Citizens are waiting for us to directly show we don’t like populism and extremism in Erope. “We need to come up with rational, correct solutions. "We need to keep Europe safe from terrrorism. "Greeks and Italians are facing the brunt of this crisis. Those who don't accept their responsibilites should be sanctioned if they don't." 10:44am: Romania MEP Victor Bostinaru praised Juncker for his “courage and wisdom” in his speech. He said: "We share your vision. The EU can be important player in matters of security. "We can be united on one voice." 10:38am: Bulgarian MEP Andrey Kovatchev ha said "we need to be effective in the EU because it’ll be our fault if the EU is ineffective next year" He urged Juncker to keep citizens safe by focussing on cyber security control of our external borders. Mr Kovatchev said Brussels should continue to work towards helping the EU "recover economicially". 10:12am: France's Nicolas Bay has said the EU parliament is "still as ridiculous as it was last year" He accused Mr Juncker of having a "lack of respect for the people of Europe". 10:06am: Sweden's Peter Lundgren told Juncker "we want tangible solutions to tangible problems. He said: "You don’t manage to do this. "What about the future of our young people? "It remains vague visions and dreams and more federalisation is what you seem to be pleading for."

EBS Farage has accused the EU of not learning since the Brexit vote

9:58am: Germany’s Daniel Caspary has said the EU needs to "seize the opportunity" as one or two years ago the mood was "sombre" He said: "We need to form our trade protection instruments. We need to be able to protect our industrial base. "People are worried about jobs, not least Germans worried about jobs in the German car industry "Many people think we’re in a ivory tower in Europe - we need to bridge the gap, we need to be closer to our citizens." 9:48am: Nigel Farage is up and he is on course to defend Britain He described Juncker's speech as the most "open and honest and truly worrying" speeches he has ever heard from the EU chief. The former Ukip leader said: "The message is very clear: Brexit has happened, new steam ahead. One powerful president for the whole of the EU. A finance minister with fresh powers. A stronger European army in a militarised European Union. And more Europe in every single direction and all to be done without the consent of the people. All I can say is thank God we’re leaving because you’ve learned nothing from Brexit. "It is reminiscent of regimes of old. Indeed the way you’re treating Hungary and Poland already must remind them of living under the Soviet Communists. All I can say is thank God we’re leaving because you’ve learned nothing from Brexit." And pointing to the seemingly wilful need for the EU to shoot itself in the foot he added: "If you’d given Cameron concessions … I have to admit, the Brexiet vote would never, ever have happened. You’re deluding yourself Mr Verhofstadt, if you think the populist wave is over. Far from the populist wave being over, I doubt it’s even begun." He said Europe was appointing powerful unelected people in positions of huge power including “a finance minister who intervenes when he feels it necessary” and plans for “a European army with a more aggressive foreign policy.” Attacking European proposals to introduce a bizarrely complex pan-European voting system Mr Farage said: “Genuine democratic parties of oppostions won’t be able to compete on a level playing field.”

EBS Farage looks on as Verhofstadt attacks him

9:28am: Guy Verhofstadt, one of the EU’s Brexit negotiators, is up and he has taken the oppportunity to lay into the UK He said: “What the difference from last year. I liked your speech, I thought it was full of ambition for 2019 and quite a difference from last year. But let’s be honest, a lot has changed.” He mocked the failed populist leaders who failed in the Austrian, French and Dutch elections. Mr Verhofstadt said: "Even in Hungary said there is no way Hungary would leave the union. Mr Orban, Ms Le Pen, Mr Wilders - Welcome to the side of reason - the only one who still doesn’t get it is Mr Farage. I don’t think they are so stupid to do that - it’s clear our citizens don’t want to destroy Europe - no bloody way. "Let’s not make the mistake that the war is over. What the people want is a reformed European Union. " He added: “I want to say [to them] welcome to the side of reason! Even though we know they have not changed their mind … but through fear of losing votes.

EBS Guy Verhofstadt has laid into the UK and Nigel Farage

9:25am: British MEP Syed Kamall has urged Brussels not to be so sensitive to constructive criticism He said: “Being critical of the policies of the EU should not be seen as an attack on the EU.” And he said less Europe, not more, would help make the bloc a success. Mr Kamall said: “They prefer an EU that compliments their national and local governments, not one that overrules them.” He compared Eu growth plans to the Soviet 5-year plans, saying they did not create jobs in themselves. 9:19am: Italian MEP Gianni Pittella said a "new wind of hope blowing over Europe". He said citizens believed that "without Europe, they were more on their own, less defended". Mr Pitella added: "We have done well, but we have only one bullet in the gun and we can’t shoot it wrong." He called for more to be done to reduce migration and to help those on the front line of the crisis, like his native Italy. The Italian added: “Thank you for your recognition of Italy but, and I say this as a European not an Italian we must do more. “We must create legal routes for migrants … We have to have a partnership with Africa, which I would define as the partnership of dignity.”

Live pictures: Juncker's State of Union speech Wed, September 13, 2017 Live pictures coming from Strasbourg, eastern France Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 8 Jean-Claude Juncker (L) kisses vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans

EBS Gianni Pittella said a 'new wind of hope blowing over Europe'

9:13am: Merkel’s ally Manfred Weber is now speaking He said members must he said "defend the future of European life". Mr Weber said: "We must defend the identity of Europe. We must defend the European way of life. "We will also be successful, let's start now." Mr Weber also expressed his suspicions of Russia’s intentions in Europe and called for an end to the proposed pipeline development from the country into the bloc. He said: "A lot of people are worried about the images that they see - we need to police and protect our borders. Illegal migration needs to be stopped. A lot of people are shocked by Turkey. “What is Putin planning now? We have to defend ourselves - European defence is a good idea. It is a priority. This is why we should stop Nord Stream 2.” 9:09am: Mr Juncker has completed his speech to a thunderous applause.. Although Nigel Farage and the majority of the British delegate remain seated with their arms folded.

EBS Weber says the EU must 'defend the European way of life'

9:07am: Mr Juncker said he hopes post-Brexit Europe is even closer than ever before, calling for universal membership of the eurozone and Schengen Area This may worry some states, including Ireland, which remain outside of the Schengen Area. Ireland in the Schengen Area would also highly complicate the issue of the Irish border, which after Brexit would be the only barrier between the UK and the EU. He said: "“My hope is on 30th March 2019, Europeans will wake up in union where they know we are respecting their values. Where full member of eurozone Schengen Zone … is standard for every member of European Union.” He urged Europe to unite and work together before the next crisis emerges. Mr Juncker said: “When the next storm brews, and it certainly will, it will be too late. Let’s set sail, let’s get going and let’s catch the wind in our sails.” 9:04am: Mr Juncker has just laid into Britain saying "Brexit isn't everything" He said the day Britain finally unshackles itself from the bloc will be a "sad and tragic moment in our history". He said: "We will always regret this and I think you will regret it soon if I must say. Nonetheless we have to we will move on. "We will respect the will of the people, but Brexit isn't everything, it's not the be-all-end-all, it is not the future," adding members must focus on the future of the EU.

EBS Juncker is calling for a 'more unified' Union

8:58am: The EU boss has recommended merging the presidencies of European Union and European Council into one single position He added: “This is not aimed at myself and not aimed at Donald [Tusk] … the European landscape would be clearer. "If we just had a single president - A single president will be at the helm of the work of the Commission and Council." 8:54am: Mr Juncker has hinted at the bloc's controversial plans for an EU Army He said: "In the field of defence more effort is required. The setting up of a European defence fund is on our agenda. By 2025 we will need a functioning European Defence Union. We need it and NATO would like us to have it." 8:52am: The EU chief appears to be meeting France and Germany halfway with plans for a independent EU finance minister But he said the symbolic role should be taken by a current vice-president in order to strengthen the troubled bloc's economy. He said: "We need a European Monetary fund which needs to be anchored in the European Union. We need a European minister of economy and finance, a minister to promote structural reform in our member states. Euro-wide taxes in the EU don’t need treaty change as long as it is decided in the European Council. "We do not need parallel structures we need a strong eurozone budget line within the EU budget. "Nor do I see no value in a separate euro parliament."

EBS European members listen to Juncker's much-anticipated speech

8:50am: Mr Juncker says a strong single market is the route to a stronger EU He praised the eurozone and called for a tighter monetary bond across the bloc. He said: "Europe needs to be able to take decisions more rapidly and more efficiently. We need to see a more agile economic and monetary union. The euro area is more resistant to shocks than it was a few years ago. "We need a European minster of economy and finance … to promote structural reform in our member states." 8:48am: Mr Juncker has just ruled out Turkish EU membership in "forseeable future" In a strongly-worded rant, he said: "Turkey has been moving away from the European Union in leaps in bounds. Journalists belong in editorial offices … not in prison. "I appeal today to the powers that being Turkey: let our journalists go. And not just our journalists. "Stop calling our heads of states fascists and Nazis. "Turkey want to pull up the drawbridge and blame Europe … From our side there will always be an outstretched hand." 8:45am: Juncker has called for an extension to the free-movement Schengen Area He said: "It is high time to bring Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area. And incidentally, Croatia too deserves full membership. if we want the Euro to unite our continent rather than dividing it. "All but two member states are duty bound to join the Euro area. These member states need the support of a euro accession instrument." 8:42am: Mr Juncker is back on the posted workers issue He said: “We need to make sure all EU rules on worker mobility are implemented fairly, simply and effectively and for that we need a new European supervisory and implementation authority."

EBS Juncker has ruled out Turkey EU membership in the near future

8:36am Mr Juncker has urged Europe, especially the more rogue eastern states, to unite in what could be a direct warning to the eastern bloc, including Poland and Hungary He said: "Europe stretches from Spain to Bulgaria. Europe needs to breathe with both its lungs: the eastern lung and the western lung. Otherwise our continent will suffocate." 8:32am: Mr Juncker has issued a rallying cry for the European Court of Justice, by way of a fish finger plea. He said: “A Slovak deserves as much fish in fish fingers as anyone else. Czechs should have as much cocoa in their chocolate as anyone else. We have to make sure this EU law is enforced. “In Europe, law has muscle. It’s not muscle that lays down the law. In Europe the law is safe-guarded by an independent judiciary. Being part of union which is built on the rule of law means respecting court judgements. “In the European Union our rule of law is not an opting - it’s a duty.” 8:31am: Juncker is now on a massive rant about his love for Europe and the European project... "The time has come to take the next step from reflection to action. You’re about to hear my own, very personal scenario number six. "I have lived the European project through my entire life. I have lived for it, I have worked for it, I have been through good times and bad times. "I was there at Maastricht, at Amsterdam, at Nice and Lisbon, where our union developed and expanded. I have suffered with Europe and agonised over Europe. I have been through thick and thin with the European Union and never have I lost my love for the European Union. "There is no love without disappointed. Love for Europe, I mean what I say, because the EU has achieved so much in this divided world. Prosperity, not for all but still for many. "We should celebrate our cultural diversity. Europe is a Europe of values and a safe place. Europe is more than the single market, the money and the euro, it’s all about values." He added: "Freedom from oppression and dictatorship. This is a phenomena our central and eastern parts have known all too well. And I mean the freedom to speak our minds whether as citizens or journalists. This is not to be taken for granted. "Freedom is not something handed down to us, we have to fight for it, in Europe and the rest of the world." 8:29am: The United States is next in the firing line as Juncker says the EU's growth has been better than US for last two years He said: "We have been slowly gathering momentum - it helped that the economic outlook swung in our favour - growth in the European Union has outstripped that of the United States over the last two years." 8:24am: Mr Juncker has made at eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic and Hungary as he condemns the “scandalous” migration crisis He said: “Europe has got a collective responsibility. “Even if it saddens me that not all of our member states show the same solidarity, Europe as a whole has managed to show solidarity. "Today we have to double our efforts and focus on opening up paths of legal migration." He says "solidarity cannot be an exclusively intra-Europe issue", saying:"Those who have no right to stay in Europe must go back to their place of origin. "Solidarity cannot be an exclusively intra-Europe issue. It’s also about putting into place the closer solidarity with Africa … the cradle of humanity".

EBS Juncker has addressed the escalating migrant crisis

8:21am Mr Juncker has moved onto migration He said: “Migration remains on our radar. Even if the questions around migration have created debate, we have managed to make real progress on various fronts.” He promised new border guards and coast guards. He said states on the edge of Europe “must not be left alone” to fight the crisis. Turning to Italy, who is taking the brunt of the crisis, he said:"I can’t talk about migration without making a heartfelt homage to Italy for its perseverance and its generosity. "In the Med, Italy is saving the honour of Europe". 8:18am: The EU chief says he wants Europe to be a "vanguard" in the fight against climate change He says: "Europe has to defend its strategic interests "We are going to produce a new industrial strategy for Europe. I want to be Europe to be a vanguard in the fight against climate change. 8:15am: Mr Juncker is bigging up the EU’s economic strength, highlighting trade deals in what could be seen as a jab at Brexit Britain He highlights recent trade deals with Canada and announced plans to open negotiations with Australia and New Zealand, boasting nations are "knocking at our door" to sign deals. He said: “Trade is not an abstract concept. Trade is jobs … new opportunities. Trade is also exporting our social and environmental normals. “Europe has always been an attractive economic space but since last year I see our partners al over the world are knocking at our door to sign trade agreements with us." Junker added: "Today, we are proposing to open trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand — I want them to be finalized before the end of this mandate.

8:13am: The EU boss has a very positive message for his 27 members He says: "Our 27 leaders are putting Europe back in our Union and are putting our Union back in Europe". Quoting Mark Twain, he says: "Years from now we will be more disappointed by the things we did not do than the things we did." 8:11am: Juncker tells EU members "let us catch the wind in our sails" "European Banks have the firepower to lend to companies so they can grow We ask for fiscal discipline but are careful not to kill growth - despite previous criticism. "Ten years since crisis struck Europeans economy is finally bouncing back. And with it our confidence. "The wind is back in Europe’s sights. Let us catch the wind in our sails." He also acknowledged the posted workers proposal was one of the “controversial issues” splitting Europe and called for leaders to “build their part of the bridge so everyone can meet”.

EBS Juncker says EU members have to work together

8:10am: Mr Juncker is highlighting the recovering economy in the EU over the past five years. He said: “More people are at work in the European Union than ever before.” He says Brussels cannot take the sole credit for this before adding snidely: “But I’m sure if nine million jobs had been lost we would take the blame.” Juncker said the economy of the EU is "finally bouncing back". He added: "We continue to make process with each passing day. "We have been slowly gathering momentum - it helped that the economic outlook swung in our favour - growth in the European Union has outstripped that of the United States over the last two years. "Unemployment is at a nine year low - 8 million jobs have been created. More people are in employment win the European Union than ever before… " 8:07am: Juncker is up and has conceded Europe was "not in a good state" in his opening lines He says: When I stood before you this time last year I had some easier speech to give. It is plain to all to see our union was not in good state. Europe was battered and bruised to our very foundation. "We only had two choices: come together around a positive EU agenda or each retreat into our own corners. "I want to thank the leaders of the 27 member states. They chose unity. They chose to rally around our common ground. Together we showed Europe can deliver."

EBS Antonio Tajani is speaking to introduce Juncker

8:03am: The EU Parliament President Antonio Tajani has called for members to "work together" He said: "We have to change things - we have to work together in all forms necessary. We have to work to fight terrorism and illegal immigration but also work to create new places to work. "We have to work with the Commission to resolve all the problems that face us. "I ask you to respect each other and President Juncker." 8.01am: Antonio Tajani, the president of the European Parliament, has arrived Jean-Claude Juncker, the man of the moment, is one of the first to take his seat. The building is still slowly filling up as leaders and diplomats arrive at the venue in Strasbourg.

European Commission Jean Claude Juncker prepares his speech