European Commission presidential candidate Jean-Claude Juncker has said it’s time for the European Union to take a break from its expansion plans.

The former prime minister of Luxembourg was speaking at a conservative party conference in Berlin on Saturday.

He said: “I also advise caution and reason when talking about the expansion of the European Union. I was enthusiastic in 2004 as the European Union was expanded to eastern and central Europe. But I believe that we now need a break in expansion. Sometimes we have to think in Europe before we take action.”

Merkel also took to the stage, calling for unity in the Ukraine crisis ahead of the European Parliament elections.

She highlighted the bloc’s potential to be a world leader in manufacturing and technology.