From political to indispensable Commission?

Earlier today, European Commission president Jean Claude Juncker delivered his fourth and final State of the Union in the European Parliament. Somewhat contrary to previous editions, Juncker delivered a highly personal speech, calling on European citizens to take charge of their own fate. Four years into the legislative term, the achievements of this much-vaunted ‘political Commission’ fall short of much that the high-winded rhetoric of previous editions had suggested. Yet at the same time, this State of the Union address offered a timely reminder about the importance of strong democratic institutions, and the indispensable role played by the European Commission.