Jean-Claude Juncker is the new President of the European Commission

Jean-Claude Juncker is the new President of the European Commission, reports the Bosnian news agency Patria (NAP). He will replace long-serving President Jose Manuel Barroso, who has held the position since 2004.

Juncker was born on 9 December 1954 in Luxembourg and is one of the most experienced politicians in Europe. In his extensive career, he has held a number of positions, the most significant being Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1995 to 2013. From 2005 until last year, he served as President of the Eurogroup and was a key figure in successfully steering Europe out of the financial crisis.

His first public position was Deputy Minister of Labour when he was only 28 years old. He became Minister of Labour in 1982 and Minister of Finance in 1984. He played a key role in preparing the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, which established the European Union in 1992. Juncker has received numerous awards for his contribution to Europe, including the prestigious Charlemagne Prize in 2006.

This year, on 7 March, he was elected as the candidate of the European People's Party (EPP) for President of the European Commission at the EPP electoral congress held in Dublin, Ireland. At the same gathering, he announced three key values: experienced and effective leadership, solidarity among people and nations, and a strong vision for the future.

Juncker will also need the approval of the European Parliament, which will vote on the matter at a plenary session in Luxembourg on 1 July, reports Patria.